XR has rapidly emerged as one of the most powerful new trends in the gaming landscape. Attracting players all over the world to a new kind of immersive experience, XR allows game developers to connect with users on a different level.
Already the, virtual reality in gaming market is expected to grow to a value of $53.44 billion by 2028, accelerating at a CAGR of 31.4%. The AR gaming landscape is experiencing similar growth. By 2028, the market should be worth a projected $31.7 billion, with a CAGR of 21.98%.
While there are various XR vendors on the market today with powerful tools for those in the gaming landscape, some stand out as particularly innovative. Today, we’re looking at some of the top XR vendors worth watching if you’re invested or interested in the gaming industry.
Meta
Easily among the most powerful companies in the XR gaming space today, Meta is responsible for bringing VR and AR experiences to the masses. With a host of AR advertising opportunities for gaming companies, Meta helps brands to reach a wider audience in this emerging space. What’s more, the company is also responsible for one of the most powerful and affordable VR headsets available – the Oculus Quest.
Meta is set to continue investing in more powerful XR experiences for the gaming community in the years to come. The brand’s focus on the potential of the Metaverse, and commitment to the development of new digital communities is inspiring countless companies worldwide. Meta could be responsible for a new generation of Metaverse gamers in the years to come, and its innovations will likely drive the development of countless new systems from other brands.
Microsoft
Microsoft already stands as one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, thanks to the development of the Xbox ecosystem. As an evolving technology giant, the company is also placing increased focus and attention on the Metaverse, similar to the team at Meta. The company has already announced a number of partnerships and investments in enhanced online experiences for gaming communities.
Microsoft is one of the most exciting companies to watch for gaming companies and consumers interested in the potential of Mixed Reality in gaming. The Hololens headset is introducing creators a new landscape transformed by holograms, teleportation, and immersive real-world experiences. With tools like “Mesh” to help developers jump into MR, we’re likely to see a host of innovative creators exploring the Microsoft ecosystem in the years to come.
HTC VIVE
Responsible for some of the most impressive MR and VR headsets on the market, HTC VIVE could be a phenomenal partner for any company in the gaming landscape. The versatility of VIVE’s technology, and its ability to work with a wide range of software solutions makes it ideal for creators hoping to reach a wider audience.
VIVE has a huge range of tools to support different kinds of XR gaming, from the VIVE Flow for wireless wellness, to the VIVE Pro Eye, with built-in eye tracking capabilities. This company’s focus on developing powerful and organic user experiences is likely to be a huge draw for many organisations. After all, part of developing a phenomenal gaming experience is creating an environment users feel comfortable interacting with. We’re sure to see countless unique game experiences emerging from VIVE in the years ahead.
Unity
For many developers, not just in the gaming space, but throughout the world, Unity stands as one of the most powerful environments for development. This cross-platform game engine makes it possible for creative professionals to bring their immersive experiences to life in a range of different ways. Unity’s solutions allow companies to create powerful 3D projects in AR, VR, and MR.
Currently one of the world’s most popular development platforms for gaming brands, Unity is investing heavily into the XR environment. The company’s technology is constantly evolving to suit new demands, and provide users with access to more impressive experiences. Unity’s development platform even makes it easier to create a gaming experience which transcends various platforms, without the need for complex coding.
Apple
A major vendor for gaming companies with an interest in Augmented Reality experiences, Apple has been investing consistently in the XR space for some time. The company was one of the first to make it easier for companies of all sizes to start creating entertaining experiences in AR. With the “ARKit”, developers can enhance their games by bringing virtual assets into the real world.
The constantly-evolving ARKit adapts to suit the latest trends and innovations in the XR world. Most recently, ARKit 6 introduced new 4K video opportunities. The environment also comes with access to motion tracking, advanced scene processing and more. As Apple continues to explore the potential of Augmented Reality smart glasses, we’re sure to see even more gaming and entertainment experiences introduced with the help of this brand.
Similar to Apple, Google wants to ensure developers and gaming companies can introduce the most exciting and immersive mobile apps for their users. With “ARCore”, users can unlock a powerful development environment for the Android ecosystem. The ARCore solution allows users to build state-of-the-art Augmented Reality experiences for all kinds of use cases. The solution is also regularly updated and enhanced for modern gaming trends.
ARCore works seamlessly with a range of other tools, including the Unity and Unreal environments so that developers can bring all of their most valuable software together. There are also countless guides and APIs to support new developers making their first steps into Extended Reality. Like Apple, Google is also regularly investing in new opportunities with AR glasses and wearable devices, making it a fantastic company for gaming brands to get involved with.
Varjo
Producing some of the world’s most advanced VR and XR experiences, Varjo has already captured the attention of countless industries over the last few years. The company produces a range of state-of-the-art headsets, giving companies new ways to engage their audience. The Varjo XR-3 delivers mixed reality opportunities for gaming and training, while Varjo’s VR-3 and Aero headsets power enhanced virtual reality environments.
Varjo’s Reality Cloud promises to be a valuable space for all kinds of developers, including those in the gaming industry. Cloud streaming support could allow for a more fast-paced and engaging XR landscape, particularly as concepts like the Metaverse become more intriguing.
