The concept of altered reality as entertainment and recreation has pleased millions of people around the world for decades. From science-fiction movies in the theatre to at-home gaming options, the gaming industry is clearly part of its revolutionary ripple effect. For instance, there is even an increasing number of gamers looking for augmented reality options when finding the best online casino in India. Therefore, it can be said that virtual reality helped to set the stage, but augmented reality is in the spotlight now.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality: What is the Difference?
An easy mistake is to assume that augmented reality and virtual reality are interchangeable synonyms. Whilst there are some similarities shared between them, the experience itself makes it crystal clear that they are different. How so? Both reality types include wearable or handheld devices – such as headsets or glasses. However, virtual reality separates users from the real world to immerse them into a digitally created world.
On the other hand, augmented reality keeps them where they are in the real world. The difference is this revolutionary experience simply augments (or modifies) that existing reality. For instance, it can layer and place digitally created elements within a person’s real-world experience. Think back to July 2016 when the augmented reality game Pokémon GO was introduced to the world. The basic premise of the game tasked users with finding Pokémon characters in real-world locations using the AR tracking feature in the game. Studies confirmed that it quickly became one of the most popular mobile games in the world within just a matter of a few weeks. Its global success spoke volumes about how it forever changed the gaming industry.
Augmented Reality – More than Just a Gaming Option
Many consumers are already using augmented reality without even realising it. For instance, an increasing number of people use AR when they are shopping. Companies use AR to highlight the popular features of their products, allowing a customer to essentially engage with the product before heading to the checkout queue. One report shows that over 30% of consumers used AR whilst shopping in 2020 alone. In addition to shopping, augmented reality has also been featured in tourism, education, and medicine.
Further studies project that the global market shared between augmented and virtual reality will experience a 77% compound growth rate by 2023. As it continues to make a significant impact in other aspects of daily life & social engagement, it becomes clear why it is making waves in the gaming industry as well.
Enhancing the Engagement Factor of Gaming with AR
One of the most impressive benefits of augmented reality is that it enhances the engagement factor of gaming overall. For example, when finding the best online casino in India, the average user wants to feel as if they are physically there. That type of immersive experience can even make the person feel as if they are no longer playing a mobile game on a device. They start to feel as if they can interact with that digital environment on a personal level. The creative use of computer-generated elements interwoven into real life make it much easier for gamers to stay connected for countless hours.
AR Goes Beyond the Boundaries of Traditional Gaming
Traditional gaming has been the main feature and cornerstone of the industry for decades. Users were excited to stay and play within its walls simply because there was nothing else available. However, once AR and VR introduced new worlds into the equation, most companies, consumers and critics knew that those long-lasting boundaries would be broken.
The gaming industry has always focused on the “next big thing” – the first-class, cutting-edge experience that shows advancement, growth, and new developments. Several of the top-selling gaming consoles have already added AR and VR devices and technology to their systems to stay ahead of this curve. Users can interact with enhanced animations and ever-changing transactions in a way that was never possible within the traditional gaming realm.
Acceptance Plays a Pivotal Role in the Equation
A key feature that plays a pivotal role in the success of augmented reality (AR) is the value of acceptance. If a user does not accept what is presented to them in any game, the chances of its failure increase. However, once that acceptance is achieved, the consumer remains engaged and entertained by the game. Studies show that augmented reality excels in the art of acceptance. Gamers accept that these digital elements and objects can be part of their real world. This milestone alone provides substantial evidence that augmented reality is the next level of gaming.
Adaptability is the Name of the Game
“Adaptability” has always been the headline of the gaming industry – especially when you consider the growing number of competing consoles. When a new element or effect is added to the mix, console manufacturers and game developers strive to find effective ways to take advantage of it. If you pay close attention to the current state of the gaming industry and research future projections, it becomes clear that augmented reality is not another passing trend.