PokerStars will venture into a realm no other major online poker operator has when it goes live on Oculus Quest.
Regarded as the next generation of virtual reality (VR) technology, Oculus Quest will soon become the home of PokerStars VR.
News of the launch was made public on April 26. In a press release sent to members of the poker media, PokerStars said its software would be among the first to be released on the new VR platform.
“PokerStars can now confirm that its acclaimed PokerStars VR game will be a launch title for the exciting new Oculus Quest – set to launch in Spring 2019,” reads the media update.
With the VR market expected to hit $9 billion in annual revenue by 2021, PokerStars has jumped on the bandwagon. Using its position as market leader, it launched a virtual reality product in 2018.
PokerStars VR Gathering Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vsKm4BF7HY
Going live on the Steam network, the 360-degree, fully immersive games were an instant hit (see video above). Although some features would be considered novelties, early access users were more than happy with the experience.
“Even if they charged $25 for this game I would pay it. It’s one of those rare polished titles and it’s only still in early access,” Steam user m4ttic wrote back in November 2018.
Looking to capitalize on this popularity, PokerStars VR received a festive update over the holiday season. With more extras added this year, the platform is gradually becoming a complete poker product.
However, by launching on Oculus Quest, PokerStars VR has the potential to access a whole new market.
As the industry has matured, its leading brand is making virtual reality more accessible to casual gamers.
Although Oculus Quest is won’t be released until some time in the spring, industry insiders are touting its benefits. By removing the need for wires and external hardware, including a PC, Trusted Reviews has said it could “deliver reality in a way science fiction promised.”
Oculus Quest to Open Up Casual Gaming Market
Time will tell if that promise becomes a reality. However, there’s no doubt the all-in-one package will make it easier for non-techies to experience virtual reality.
Trading off this, Oculus Quest could become the perfect way for way to take PokerStars VR to reach the next level.
Although other online poker operators will be looking to explore this technology, only PokerStars has the necessary resources to get a product to market at this stage.
With that being the case, a successful outing on a next generation of VR headset could cement its position as the go-to name for all forms of online poker.
