Virtual Reality in Entertainment Is an Important Part of the Metaverse’s Larger Whole

Virtual reality in entertainment offers endless possibilities. But the reason for this potential is solidly rooted in the metaverse. The metaverse is best conceptualized as a merger between the physical and online worlds through various new technologies. You can fully immerse yourself in metaverse virtual worlds by donning a VR headset. But connections are the fundamental metaverse meaning.

You can connect to it in different ways for different experiences. Game consoles, computers, and smartphones will provide different metaverse experiences. But all these methods still access a shared, socially oriented realm that’s always on and which your actions influence permanently. The metaverse is still in development, and people are still determining how it’ll turn out. But you can experience it for yourself right now. And you’ll find a full overview of the metaverse in the article “Metaverse Guide; Understanding The Basics Will Open Up a New World”.
What Is Virtual Reality?

Of course, virtual reality in entertainment is itself an example of virtual reality (VR). Virtual reality encompasses technologies that envelop users in worlds of computer-generated imagery. You simply don a VR headset, and you’re instantly immersed in a virtual environment that can feel incredibly realistic. You’ll see objects, landscapes, and even other people perfectly rendered through your headset’s display. And you’ll also be able to hear realistically generated sounds through the headset’s audio output.

You embody yourself in VR with a metaverse avatar and can then explore virtual realities. This could involve anything from stepping into video games to sports training, workouts, and even practicing virtual surgeries within the medical school. The first VR implementation is arguably a 1950s theater system called Sensorama. It used 3D film, vibrations, and smells to immerse moviegoers. In the article “Virtual Reality; Discover VR, Its Components, Technology, and Players”, you can discover more about VR.
What Is the Difference Between Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Augmented Reality, and Extended Reality?

While VR is one form of extended reality (XR) and the most important to virtual reality in entertainment, it’s not the only way to access the metaverse. Augmented reality puts a digital overlay in front of users and can even incorporate artificial objects. The most significant difference between AR and VR is in scope. AR augments existing reality, while VR creates a new virtual one.

Mixed reality can be thought of as a midway point between the two. It uses projections, like holograms, to send immersive imagery out into the world. You can learn about AR in the article “Augmented Reality; Learn About AR Tech, Use Cases, Devices, and More!”. And the new realm of MR is laid out in “Mixed Reality; Everything to Know About MR Technologies”. Finally, you can learn about XR in general in the article “Extended Reality; How is XR Changing the Digital World?”

 

What Is the Entertainment Industry?

The last piece of the puzzle that is virtual reality in entertainment comes from defining the true scope of the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry is sometimes also known as show business or show biz. But whatever you call it, the industry is a huge part of the world economy. Show biz includes the more obvious elements like music, film, and TV. But theater, live performances, and even vaudeville are also a part of it. Likewise, the industry includes the mass media companies which control and distribute all of those properties, and more, to the general public.
6 Virtual Reality in Entertainment Branches

The definition of the entertainment industry is quite broad. As such, it’s best to subdivide it into separate branches when discussing virtual reality in entertainment. Some technologies and techniques can be shared among all of these branches. But each branch also has unique elements that open up new opportunities.
Film & Cinema

The film was one of the earliest examples of virtual reality in entertainment. Even events as auspicious as the Cannes Film Festival were early adopters of VR. In fact, in 2016, it became the first to broadcast presentations and VR shorts within a dedicated VR section. The increased interactivity of VR means that the future may well meld games and movies together. Imagine not just watching a movie but genuinely being part of the experience. VR video production and the devices to play their results produce extraordinary experiences. And ones that dramatically change how people can interact with their entertainment.

virtual reality in entertainment vr cinema
Image attribution: Architectural Digest

Museums

Virtual reality in entertainment is indeed a futuristic technology. But it’s also one that can help people, especially kids, explore the wonders of the past. Interactive displays with VR are one of the best ways to get children interested in learning about the past. After all, look but don’t touch isn’t a concept most kids find particularly appealing. But adults and children alike can use VR to experience historical events as if they were there. And this can greatly impact what people take away from museums, heritage sites, visitor centers, and many related areas.
Galleries

Virtual reality in entertainment systems like the Art Gallery VR app are changing how people experience art galleries. Standard hardware like laptops and tablets are already making art a more interactive experience. But the Art Gallery VR app takes that to the next level by opening up the flow of information. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the history, context, or other elements of an exhibit, then you’re hardly alone. But the virtual reality app makes it easy to engage in question and answer sessions instantly, create paintings if inspiration strikes, and fully immerse yourself in the subject matter.
Music & Nightclubs

What if you could transport yourself to the best nightclubs and concerts by just putting on a headset? That’s one of the ways that virtual reality in entertainment is changing people’s relationship with music. Virtual venues like Shelter VR act as an entire platform for the latest music. And platforms like Wave VR and VRChat allow people to attend virtual reality concerts from anywhere in the world. One of the exciting things about VR’s relationship to music is how it lets you tailor your experience to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for nightclubs, concerts, or more.
Arcades

Quarter-munching arcades have an undeniable appeal to gamers. Unfortunately, they’ve become a scarce commodity in the physical world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of the best arcades for yourself through virtual reality in entertainment. VR arcades take several forms, but Warehouse VR is the most popular. A Warehouse VR experience encompasses a large area where you can wander around while exploring a virtual world. And in this context, that means getting a chance to wander through the video game arcade of your dreams. And some virtual arcade games are even exclusive to the platform.
Theme Parks

Most theme parks are in a constant state of development. The best theme parks will typically change, grow, and adapt to the possibilities presented by new technologies. So it’s unsurprising that virtual reality in entertainment has converged with theme parks. VR can be a fantastic tool to teach new park employees how to work with the location’s equipment safely. And it opens up the possibility for a new type of attraction. VR increases park attendance, provides guests with greater awareness of the area, cuts costs when VR can replace enormous construction projects, and makes everything safer.
4 Real-World Examples of Virtual Reality in Entertainment

The various forms of extended reality have reached almost any industry you could imagine. And virtual reality in entertainment, in particular, has some inspiring examples. But while there are several VR entertainment projects out there, the following are among the most notable.
Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most popular, and indeed the largest, museums worldwide. Among other exhibits, the Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa. And Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece is only one of the museum’s treasures. Thanks to virtual reality in entertainment, you can now take a Louvre tour for yourself. “The Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass”, experience is just one of the options available to VR enthusiasts. You can also pick from specific themes. The available VR tours include “The Body in Movement,” “The Advent of the Artist,” and “Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader.”