The internet is awash with PlayStation VR stories. You’ve probably noticed.
Whilst most of these will explain why the PlayStation VR is the saviour of gaming, or how it is doomed to fail, GameOrNought would like to ignore those concerns.
We should be concerned about what happens if PlayStation VR fails.
As gamers, we need PlayStation VR to succeed. The corporate cost, consumer pricing, and lack of innovation elsewhere paints a dystopian image for the future if PlayStation VR does not stick around.
The Cost To Sony and Developers
Sony has had VR in development since at least 2011, and maybe even before. Looking back, it is clear to see that the PlayStation 4 design was influenced by the VR future; the controller light bars, redesign of the PlayStation Eye, and a noticeable number of ports were seen as Sony’s eccentricity slipping through. We now understand that these were a part of their long-term plan. While there has been no indication of the cost for this research and development, we can safely assume it has more zeroes in it than a tin of spaghetti hoops.
Sony certainly aren’t in any worries financially, especially with a rise in their profits thanks to the PlayStation division. That being said, they have suffered the bitter taste of monetary flops before. Jack Tretton, Former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, has recently made it clear how disappointed Sony were in the consumer support for the Vita outside of Japan, and we all know how quickly Sony withdrew funding for that in order to protect their worth.
Furthermore, masses of developers have expressed their backing for the PlayStation VR. These aren’t just rising studios either; Capcom and Rocksteady are just a few of the big-league developers on board. Like with the Vita, if PlayStation VR does not take off, we will quickly see developers pulling back to cover themselves (and rightfully so).
As gamers, we need the big companies (like Sony) and developers (like Capcom) to be willing to spend money. Through investment, they fuel the growth and development of the industry. In turn, this filters down to new, exciting titles and services for the gamer. If companies and developers view opportunities like VR with a wary glance, it is us who will suffer. We will be given the same, recycled games over-and-over again, and we will deserve it. If we want out passion to evolve, we need to support it and we need PlayStation VR to succeed.
The Cost To Gamers
Understandably, some people may consider the potential cost implications for Sony and it’s developers to be a less-than-convincing argument. Perhaps then, we should explore the cost to the everyday gamer. The PlayStation VR unit will cost £349. The PlayStation Move Twin Pack (realistically needed for the VR experience) costs £69. PlayStation VR Worlds costs £29. In total, the startup cost for PlayStation VR (for the gamer) is £447. That is, for most people, a huge sum of money. Yet, there will inevitably be people paying this.
Sony have done an amazing PR turnaround since the PlayStation 3, “Two Jobs” attitude it expressed in the past towards it’s fanbase. In fact, some may argue that in the PlayStation 4 era they have made no media gaffs until the disastrous PlayStation Pro press conference. In comparison to the rather lackluster Xbox One and Microsoft, Sony have banked a huge amount of good will and favour thanks to it’s new approach of rewarding players. The PlayStation 3 era Sony would never have put on a PlayStation Experience for the fans. This has helped them dominant this console cycle to date.
This could all be wiped away if the PlayStation VR does not succeed. People who have pumped £447 into the system would be reasonably displeased to see the catalogue of new VR games drying up due to a lack of financial success. The severe backlash would destroy all the excellent work Sony have done, and could be the tide-turner for Microsoft. Sony would likely back away from open opportunities to be questioned about the unit, and we would return to an environment where the gamer is to be kept at arms length. We need a strong, confident (not arrogant) Sony to compete and not allow Microsoft to run unchallenged. Lack of competition never works out for the consumer.
If we want to live in a world where the companies make an effort to listen to us, and challenge one another, we need PlayStation VR to succeed.
For The Sake Of Innovation
VR certainly isn’t universally applauded. There are plenty of big figure names who are critical of VR (especially PlayStation VR) and see it as a gimmick. I feel that this argument is one of the potentially most damaging.
Let me make an admission here: VR is a gimmick. At least, it is for now.
However, so many of gaming staples started off as gimmicks. In fact, the last fully-fledged innovation in gaming was written off as a gimmick; the analog sticks. Originally seen as just an alternative to the tried-and-tested D-pad, dual analog sticks were a gimmick. When Ape Escape launched in 1999 masses of people argued that the requirement for dual analog sticks would cripple the sales of the game. Instead, developers saw the potential and went on to refine the control scheme to the perfection it is now. Remember – this modern-day expectation began as a gimmick and it changed the way we play games.
PlayStation VR will play the same role. To begin with, the system will be gimmicky. Games will rely on the awe-factor of VR. Over time, developers will refine and innovate the style.
As gamers, we need innovation right now. With the PlayStation 4 Pro vs Project Scorpio debate ready to rage, I am seriously concerned that we are returning to the power focused days of “Genesis does what Nintendon’t.”
Console power does not generate better games. The amount of processors, RAM, or drive space does not dictate the quality of games. I would still rather play Super Mario World than most of the “technical marvels” produced today. Gaming has become a stagnant pool with the occasional intrusion of gold. PlayStation VR offers developers the opportunity, at a mainstream level, to experiment with what a game is and involves. It is the best option for them to stretch the boundaries of gaming and still turn a profit.
If we want to push what gaming means into the future, drive innovation, and avoid returning to the past, we need PlayStation VR to succeed.
PlayStation VR – It Must Succeed!
Overall, the PlayStation VR must succeed. If it fails, there is a catastrophic tsunami of fallout waiting. Sony and developers retreat from future risks. Consumers create a hate-storm towards Sony. Games become stuck in the status-quo. While it is easy to write off the PlayStation VR as just another peripheral, the evidence is plain to see that it isn’t. As gamers, we need PlayStation VR to succeed.
GameOrNought 
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