It's a sad day in Game Land.
The Oculus Rift looked keen to change the way we look at gaming - literally.
While virtual-reality isn't exactly new; the O.R looked poised to revive the age-old idea, and turn this failed-fantasy into a brilliant reality. It soared up on KickStarter, with thousands of backers graciously donating to get the project up on its two feet - with the hope that an amazing experience was to soon follow. We've already seen many examples of games - both old and new, using the headset, and I have to admit; it looked pretty cool. The fantasy seemed to be fading, for reality was finally starting to shine through. It WAS happening!
Then, Mr. Zuckerberg decided that he wanted to go shopping for stuff that the really doesn't need; but unsurprisingly, he has the money to blow - so what does it matter?
Well, to the Game Nation, it matters a lot.
Many major things happen overnight; and this was sure one of them. One night the Oculus is as we know it; an ever-growing gaming VR-headset, and then *BOOM* - the headline of Facebook buying the invention surges up on many news networks; even some outside of gaming. Weirdly enough, I found out this news from an article I saw ON Facebook.
When I saw the headline; my first thought was: "Early April Fool’s joke – RIGHT?”
WRONG.
Naturally, I clicked on the article, to find out that indeed, the social-network giant went ahead and purchased this neat little trinket for $2 Billion. My reaction?
"Why? Why? No, seriously, WHY?!"
I was shocked, and frankly, quite confused. It just didn't make any sense.
When the news of Facebook purchasing "WhatsApp", came too light - that for sure made sense. When Microsoft purchased "Skype" - that made sense too. Why? Because in both situations; both of these companies purchased products that appealed to them, and would fit in their business model.
Can someone please to explain to me where and how something like the Oculus Rift fits into Facebook's business model?
Exactly - it doesn't.
As outlandish as it was for Nintendo to acquire Bayonetta 2 as an exclusive title; it was also quite outlandish for Facebook to acquire the Oculus Rift. At least in Nintendo's case, it's something that can probably work. How on earth is the Oculus Rift supposed to work with something like Facebook?
Video Chat doesn't really need to get more advanced; unless we start talking holograms. And, I honestly don’t need to be reading my friends’ “problems” a few inches from my eyes. Farmville isn’t going to get any more realistic with VR, either.
So then, what exactly does FB have in store for their new toy? Who knows? I surely know that I’m not paying hundreds of dollars to experience the “definitive” version of Facebook, or whatever they intend to do with it.
In my eyes, this is an opportunity that went up in thin air. It was like a large, expansive lake, being completely evaporated by a scorching sun. It seemed to be so great, so vast; a lake full of ideas - and yet, it was gone in an instant. It’s amazing how loud the “mighty dollar” can be; despite being an inanimate object. I’m disappointed in the creators for fizzling out the minute someone offered them too much green. This could have really spiced things up in the gaming world. Now, it’s probably not going to get past the drawing board; if not a neat YouTube video demonstration.
Well, we still have Morpheus right?
The Outerhaven writes: Aerith Gainsborough has always played an integral role in Final Fantasy VII. But with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the ending ensures that you'll know it.
huh?
she was already plenty powerful even without rebirth, especially if you read the novals and watched the movie.
it definetly was a battle between her and Sephiroth and cloud was just there for show ha.
Would be cool to see Aerith with yellow hair or blue hair yelling KAMEHAMEHA lol. Also would be cool seeing Aerith and Tifa do the fusion dance and wear the potara earrings I wonder what they would be called when fused. She all ready has the power she is literally part of the life stream of the planet.
Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse Ep2: Caged is the follow-up to 2019's Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning.
With this feature, we take a look at 15 upcoming games that are trying to do something fresh and original that we haven't seen before.
A lot of people tried to blame this on Facebook or Mark Zuckerberg but the fault truly lies with Palmer Luckey. Instead of being patient he went for the money. Oculus VR, Inc could have became multi-million(if not billion) ,over time, company with full control of its product. Now its company owned by Facebook which got some consumers and developers backing away from their product. I hope that cash, stocks and benefits were truly worth it, Palmer.
You know what's funny in all of this? It's the tight little frown on John Carmack's face while hunched over his little work station testing the new FB apparatus with a "do not disturb" sign on the door. I wonder how keen he is now, and how long he knew of this deal, and if or how long he will stay with it.
Meh, whatever happens with it....there will be others.
Well for Facebook acquiring the Oculus Rift it means people talking with other people in a virtual world. To see each other in person and at their home virtually, for that friend or family member walking you virtually on their next vacation, etc. As far as gaming is concerned Facebook offers the communication tools for online gaming. Unfortunately it could mean Oculus Rift ending up as an ad box plus Facebook lacks the expertise and know how when it comes to gaming
VR will flop for gaming for one particular reason and it's that the three different builds that are currently being developed for Microsoft, Sony and the Oculus Rift are going to be three potential money sinks for any prospective developer.
Not only would they have to make a game that would have to be work for both the PS Snore and the Xbone; if they want to add some sort of functionality towards the VR headsets, there will have to be some added time, effort and money to assure that happens. With rising costs for "next-gen" game development, one should be mindful and remember that hardware without software is of no use to anyone and there is a real danger of more developers being strained to work on fitting in these different VR systems.
That said; I'm not short-sighted enough to say that VR has no use outside of gaming. Facebook has pulled off a great coup with it and they may make a lot of money off it yet.
It's just a bigger shame on the people who donated money on good faith have had the carpet dragged underneath them.