Introduction: In a very unusual development, Sony Interactive revealed that it is creating a version of its VR headset intended for the PC platform. While this is not something many expect from the technologically very insular company, the move makes a lot of sense, especially from the perspective of the virtual reality gaming market.
Article: Sony, like almost any modern massive tech company, is rarely thinking in terms of cross-platform accessibility or integration. In the contemporary IT and technology setting, the decision to connect to other company’s products and services is usually seen as something that small to medium businesses do. In that case, the move can quickly pay off, as a product of a smaller entity has a lot to gain by connecting or integrating with a larger and more established ecosystem. Some companies, like Nintendo or Apple, made that principle of a self-contained ecosystem their bedrock development philosophy.
That is why it is unusual to see any big business doing the same. However, in a recent public statement, Sony decided to go in a completely opposite direction with their VR headset. The company revealed that its engineers are working on taking the PlayStation VR2 headset and making it compatible with the PC platform. While this is big news, it is just as important to underline that the company believes it could launch the same headset before the end of 2024, which is exceedingly fast. This unexpected move could turn out to be lucrative for Sony, but also, with the proper follow-up development, enforce the wider VR gaming marketplace right after it launches.
Clear Compatibility
Even before the official Sony announcement, it was clear that PlayStation VR2 has a very underused potential for cross-platform integration. In 2023, groups of VR modders were taking the same second-generation VR headset and trying it out on stand-alone PCs that were running a standard Windows OS. While the intended purpose of the VR2 is to offer virtual reality functionality to PlayStation 5, the same modders quickly found out that it allows for a PC integration as well. Furthermore, it required no PS5 platform to run.
Now, it is clear that even back then, the Sony technology department was doing the exact same thing. The official news came from Gillen McAllister. He is the manager of content communications at Sony Interactive. According to the release, Sony was testing the potential of VR2 in terms of running PC games. McAllister explained that the team is going to make the same thing a reality for the consumers in 2024, as well as give out further updates on the process. For this news to come out so publicly and officially, it is certain that Sony believes its engineers have the product more or less ready for launch.
Sony’s Gaming Endeavours
In general, Sony is very protective of its software and hardware features. That is why this cross-platform news took many by surprise. However, when the same process is assessed from the perspective of the Sony Interactive gaming initiative, it makes perfect sense. For years, Sony has been working on expanding its gaming market reach. Selling consoles can take Sony only so far on the global gaming scene, so the idea of reaching out to the PC market found a lot of support in the company’s board meetings. Because of that, the publishing department of Sony has been very nimble in taking its big video games to the PC crowd. These include The Last of Us series, but also games from the Spider-Man and Horizon: Zero Dawn franchises. Not long ago, Sony launched Helldivers 2 on both PC and PS5, allowing the game to become a huge hit and quickly climb the global gaming charts. In that years-long process, the porting of VR2 headsets seems like just another piece of the gaming expansion jigsaw puzzle.
PS VR2 Challenges
It is hard to argue that Sony’s VR headset strategy does not make sense. In the long term, it is almost certain to help the company find more traction in the global gaming market. That, coupled with the fact that virtual reality gaming space is set for a continued expansion makes it a shrewd business move. But, there are still many challenges that Sony can expect on that journey. First of all, there is the issue of VR2 price. Right now, the headset is selling for $550, which comes as an additional fee for the necessary PS5 console. That makes the VR2 a headset that cannot compete with Meta Quest 2, which is both a stand-alone device and one that can be purchased for half of Sony’s headset price. For many gamers, the stand-alone feature of Quest 2 makes it a no-brainer for that first VR headset purchase – with it, players do not need an expensive PC to play virtual reality games. VR2 will not have that benefit on its side. It will require what is most likely a high-end PC, especially in terms of its graphics card, and around $500 for any interested gamers.
Games, Screens, and Controllers
The moment when the VR2 hits the market, gamers from across the world will gain a new alternative for their VR needs. On the plus side, VR2 offers a great controller design, which has been praised for its precision and overall user comfort. The screens that the headset possesses are also high-resolution displays and thus, the quality of images they present will likely be impressive for some time. Ultimately, however, the decision whether or not to buy this headset will come down to the combination of price and gaming library on offer.
For the price, Sony would be wise to try and shave some USD from their current price of VR2. As for VR games available for Sony’s VR2, things will need more work and more investments. On a PC platform and marketplaces like Steam, gamers do have the biggest available libraries. But, even with that, it seems that Sony Interactive will have to invest in further VR game development from its parent studios. That will have to cover some bigger titles, which are still seen as a risky investment for many game development companies. However, if Sony is serious about its gaming diversification and potential sales of VR2 headsets, it will also have to do its part in making virtual reality gaming not just cheaper, but more exciting in terms of games on offer.
Author:
Ivica Milaric
Game designer and game design teacher at the Academy of Arts, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia