The HTC Vive Will Be our Generation’s Commodore 64
It’s taken decades to get to this point but we’re here. The Oculus and HTC Vive are shipping. They have a roster of games and experiences. Optimistic reviews. And hype. Lots of hype. People think this is a new leap in computing.
I believe the hype. I’ve been fortunate enough to try 30 room scale VR experiences at this point. It’s real. But let’s not kid ourselves. It’s possible to believe VR hype and also assume the next few years of consumer VR will be turbulent.
An overwhelming percentage of the world doesn’t know about VR and doesn’t care. VR is prohibitively expensive, intimidating, and people look ridiculous when they strap on a headset. How will owning a Vive make your life better? What is it for? Why would you put it on again after you already tried it?
There’s no easy answer to these questions. It takes work. People view new technology with a special blend of complacency and intimidation. It’s easy to forget how much the PC industry had to do to get people comfortable and excited.
Can VR help you connect with friends? Can it help you get in shape? Can it help a soldier overcome PTSD? Can it help you relax? Meditate? Can you learn a new skill? Can it help you teach? Can it help you fall in love?
All of these stories are happening in the VR community today. But it’s hard to convey what is going on underneath the goggles. A new medium requires a new bridge.
Today I’m excited to announce a new production studio dedicated to telling these stories. Our goal is pretty straightforward. We want to help convey the IRL power of VR. And that’s what we’re calling the studio: @IRL_VR
We’re building a mixed reality recording space in NYC. Our clients are VR game and software publishers. We make trailers, kickstarter vids, and throw live events designed to help VR creators break into new audiences.
If you’re working on a VR experience and want help putting it in-front of more eyeballs, contact us.
hello@irl-vr.com
Follow these Twitters for updates: @IRL_VR @codybrown
Special thanks to James Del, Jack Donovan, David Aho, and all the friends and fam I’ve been able to coerce into wearing a VR headset the past few years.
