We all know that VR is immersive. That’s the raison d’etre of the technology. But rather than simply making for better gaming experiences, there’s a number of other benefits to VR gaming that have been proven. There’s the obvious exercise and motor skill improvements, but also less immediate benefits such as enhanced learning and memory. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best of what VR gaming can do for you.
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Immersion
As anyone who’s experienced the technology will know, VR gaming provides a highly immersive experience. Developers are able to make players feel as though they are actually inside the game world. This level of immersion can lead to a more engaging and enjoyable gaming experience.
A study published in the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, states: “VR improves the game experience by bringing more realism, increasing involvement, and fostering better social interactions. Additionally, VR technology can enhance presence, giving players the impression that they are truly playing the game.
VR transforms existing gaming experiences by adding realism, immersion, and social engagement.”
It’s pretty easy to see who that increased immersion can improve your gaming sessions. However, that’s not what this article is really about. Instead, we want to dive into the additional benefits that VR gaming can offer.
Social Interaction
VR is often seen as an isolating experience. When wearing the headset you cannot see the real world around you, cutting you off from interactions with people close to you. However, this is only half of the story.
VR allows for much greater social interaction than typical social media, games or even phone and video calls. Within VR, you are able to not only see and talk to people, but also have a greater understanding of their physicality. Someone’s presence within a space can tell you a lot more about them then just their voice. And of course, this goes doubly so for body language.
Developing new social connections is of course good, regardless of whether they are near or far. And for friends or family that may be living long distances apart, VR can enable you to feel closer beyond the boundaries of real world geography.
Exercise
One of the more obvious benefits of VR is physical exercise. There are many games designed to be a workout – Supernatural and FitXR, for example – but most VR games have some sort of physicality to them.
Whether it’s striking note block in Beat Saber or dodging bullets in Pistol Whip. Stalking the Venice streets at night or climbing in, err… The Climb. There are so many VR gaming experiences that are much more energetic than their flatscreen counterparts.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that VR gaming can enhance physical activity levels, providing a fun and engaging way to exercise.
If you’re interested in how VR can help your physical fitness be sure to check out our picks of the 7 best VR fitness games.
Enhanced Learning and Memory
A less obvious type of exercise offered by VR: your brain. VR games can be used as educational tools. They can help improve comprehension and skill acquisition by simulating real-world scenarios. The International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews discusses how VR has found applications in education, enhancing learning through engaging experiences.
VR gaming can help improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. The research in Frontiers in Psychology supports the idea that VR gaming can enhance cognitive skills through interactive and immersive gameplay.
What other benefits of VR gaming have you experienced? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
