In some works of fiction, virtual reality is touted as an escapist experience that reaches levels so appealing it becomes dangerous as the users become addicted to the virtual worlds. As real world VR technology evolves, the different headsets are put under a microscope and fears of isolation are explored. Disney has shied away from the technology because it takes away from the real wonders at their parks but the CEO of Niantic, the company responsible for the AR hit Pokemon Go, believes VR could become a real problem for society as it evolves.
Gamesindustry.biz reports that, during the Mixed Reality Summit for the London Games Festival, Niantic CEO John Hanke voiced some concerns with VR. “My thing about VR is I’m afraid it can be too good, in the sense of being an experience that people want to spend a huge amount of time in,” he said. “I mean I already have concerns about my kids playing too much Minecraft, and that’s a wonderful game.” He continues by harping on the belief that VR takes away from our opportunities to go outside, exercise, and experience nature. “I think it’s a problem for us as a society if we forgo that and spend all of time in a Ready Player One-style VR universe.”
When asked if Niantic would work on VR projects, he said that he doesn’t believe it’ll be a focus for them considering so many people are already working with virtual reality. Despite his concerns, Hanke also believes VR and AR technology aren’t destined to be separate technologies. “These things may converge into a single set of experiences,” he added.
The comments from Hanke could be seen as self-serving considering his current investment in AR technology but VR and AR aren’t truly competing against each other. They are both growing in the public eye within the same bubble of mixed reality and will each have obstacles to overcome as they gain more exposure.
