Virtual reality is experiencing a resurgence with the development of new head-mounted displays like the Oculus Rift. However, virtual worlds must first be developed to provide content and places for users to interact within virtual reality. A Delphi exercise from 2011 predicted trends for virtual reality and virtual worlds over the coming years, including the need for easier and more integrated hardware, a balance between user creation and commercial content, and the potential societal and economic impacts. Key issues that will influence the adoption of virtual reality include competition beyond Oculus, the impact of Facebook's acquisition, the development of control devices, managing hype, and avoiding the pitfalls of earlier virtual worlds.

1. Virtual Reality - The Second
Coming of Virtual Worlds
15 May 14
David Burden
© 2014 www.daden.co.uk

2. Virtual Reality
Virtual Worlds
Virtual Reality
2012
2013
Note change in
wording!

3. A Virtual Future?
 But to use virtual reality you (almost always) need a
virtual world first
 Trends & Issues – developed from Delphi exercise
at ReLive2011
2011 2013 2015 2020 2025 2030
Short Term
Medium Term
Long Term

4. ReLive 2011 Delphi
2011 2013 2015 2020 2025 2030
Short Term Medium Term Long Term
Still too hard
Needs to be in browser
Needs desktop/audio/ webcam/
gesture integration
Users vs Creators(ives) vs
Professionals
One World or Many Worlds
Directed or Discovered
Social Media Integration (not
Domination)
→ Lively/Cloud Party?
SEAMLESS
Learning Benefits for
Educators & Learner
Business Benefits for Industry
& Government
Cost Savings
Revenue Generation
Social Benefits for Consumers
& Family
Entertaining, Engaging & Easy
DESIRABLE
MOBILE
UNIFIED
RADICAL INTERFACES
SOCIETAL CHANGE (IN & OUT)

5. NextGen & The Coming of Games

6. Long Term – Radical Interfaces

7. Virtual Reality
Virtual
Worlds
Virtual
Reality
Which brings us back to …..

8. Virtual Reality – Issues #1
 More than just Oculus?
 Impact of Facebook?
 Control devices?

9. Virtual Reality – Issues #2
 Hype, Help or Hinderance?
 Distraction from/augmenting mobile?
 Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality?
 How do we avoid the pitfalls and false dawn of
Virtual Worlds?

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Email: david.burden@daden.co.uk
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