For decades, VR gaming has been a focal point for tech and gaming analysts. Even as far back as the 1990s, many assumed that headsets would become part of the gaming world and, shortly after, life in general. However, as any VR fan knows, this hasn’t quite panned out.
In fact, AR managed to take off long before VR headsets became semi-mainstream. Back in 2016, Pokémon GO thrilled the world by making an enjoyable and functional AR mobile game. Despite years of heavy investment and hype surrounding VR, AR remains more accessible and practical than its heftier counterpart.
And though VR has come a long way, it still might be AR games that take the cake. First and foremost, these games can be accessed from a smartphone—and won’t bog down the operating system. Second, AR games are easier to produce and program, making them a safer option for developers. Lastly, they might actually be more playable.
Let’s take a look at a few of the coolest titles in VR and AR categories. From there, you can decide which games you think have lasting power.
Poker (VR)
When it comes to global favourites, online poker is one of the most popular titles played in the world. Some estimates place the total number of players at 100 million. Players today with VR headsets can even access VR poker from leading virtual platforms.
These VR poker worlds allow players to interact live with others via live chat, closely replicating a real-life casino experience. For players, it’s a brand new frontier in gaming that immerses them in live games—many of which are set in imaginative worlds.
Decentraland (VR)
Decentraland is a metaverse that runs on blockchain. While many still have questions about the viability of crypto, this metaverse seems to have lasting power; as of 2022, it had a market value of $1.2 billion. So, what makes it a great experience for players?
Using in-game currency MANA, players can create and sell clothing, accessories, and more in this virtual world. Avatars can be customised to a T and virtual plots can be bought and developed. Though there are still bugs and much of this virtual world remains empty, that’s not likely to be the case for very long.
Tetris Effect: Connected (VR)
Similar to poker, Tetris has found a nice resurgence within the VR realm. Enter Tetris Effect: Connected, a larger-than-life way to play this classic game. It’s also designed as a multiplayer title, adding a twist, and even enables players to stop time for a short period.
In fact, the game was such a hit that it nabbed the award for Game of the Year by multiple groups after it was released in 2018. In the case of both poker and Tetris, VR isn’t reinventing the wheel—it’s just adding a fresh new perspective on beloved games.
Zombies, Run! (AR)
By far one of the most playable and innovative games on the market today is Zombies, Run! This game uses AR technology to inspire its users to run… for their lives. Rather than chasing Pokémon down the street, virtual zombies chase these players. The focus is on fitness, challenging players to push their limits.
Each time they open the app, a unique mission is assigned to their running route. Using mostly audio and some visuals, a chase ensues—and the user is thrown into a dangerous world of ultra-fast zombies who nip at their heels.
Jurassic World Alive (AR)
In 2018, Jurassic World Alive launched as a revamp of the 2015 hit Jurassic World: The Game. This title blends elements of AR with the original hit, allowing players to explore in real life to uncover dinosaurs around their neighborhood. Similar to Pokémon GO, players are looking to locate, collect, and train these dinosaurs. As they advance in the game, they also have the option to create new hybrid dinosaurs. The more rare and powerful dinosaurs in their repertoire, the more exciting and stronger their hybrids will be. Six years after its release, Jurassic World Live remains hugely popular.