If you’re into video games or are actively following the news, you can’t have missed this news, announcing that Facebook has purchased Oculus VR for a “modest” price of $2 billion. This action raised many questions/concerns and even generated a real backlash in the gaming community. This process, which has surprised more than one person, is tried to be clarified..
5 questions posed by Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus VR
Facebook’s bulimia seems limitless. Facebook offered WhatsApp for $16 billion after buying Instagram (note that Facebook previously offered $3 billion to buy Snapchat). Here is the first social network Oculus has to offer. Oculus was created in 2012 and is the origin of the Oculus Rift, the virtual reality headset that has been the object of desire for many video game fans. It consists of a (for now) 7-inch screen and 360° vision as well as multiple sensors that allow you to fully immerse yourself in another universe. What does the Facebook takeover of Oculus VR involve? The initial elements of the reaction.
1. Why did Facebook buy Oculus VR?
Probably the first question that comes to mind, but not necessarily the most obvious one to answer. Finding a link between a virtual reality headset designed for video games and the world’s first social network is difficult at first glance. And for good reason, there are none. Facebook doesn’t want to keep all its eggs in one basket, and definitely wants to diversify and open up to new sectors (as evidenced by the hijacking of instagram and whatsapp).
Facebook took the opportunity to acquire a young, independent company that had a product in development and, above all, a future-proof product.. In that sense, the $2 billion distributed seems like a bargain. Marc Zuckerberg and Facebook aim to stay ahead of the competition and achieve the platforms of tomorrow. Facebook will soon be more than just a social network.
2. Oculus Rift’s future in question?
The answer to this question is obviously no.. Although the Oculus Rift is still in development, it represents one of the most anticipated innovations. In addition, at least 75,000 development kits have already been ordered, and pre-orders for its second kit, called the Rift DK2, have just begun. Rest easy for video game fans, Oculus will continue to independently develop the Oculus Rift and it remains (at first) designed for video games. Facebook’s contribution will accelerate the development of the virtual reality headset, which is expected to be finalized first by the end of 2014.
3. Are there competitors to Oculus and the virtual reality headset?
If all observers agree that virtual reality is the future of video games, then this technology is still in its infancy. Facebook has just taken the lead in this space, as until recently Oculus VR was the only company to create a VR headset. Since “until recently”Occlus just saw the arrival of a rival of his choice. As a matter of fact, Sony introduced the Project Morpheus virtual reality headset for PS4, which is still in the prototype stage.
Sony is the first major player in the market to announce this type of project, but Microsoft could join as well. According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is reportedly working on 3D virtual reality devices for the XBox OneIt is said to have already applied for patents to include a helmet and protect its future technology. Competition for this technology with almost limitless prospects should only be positive.
4. What is the use of the Oculus Rift Facebook version?
As mentioned earlier, virtual reality possibilities seem endless. If the Oculus Rift was designed primarily for video games, its usefulness could be more than one. “After the games, we will make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine being able to enjoy a front row seat at a game, study in a classroom with teachers and students from around the world, or see a doctor one-on-one at home by wearing your headphones. This is really a new communication platform,” says Marc Zuckerberg.
Education, entertainment, education, industry, tourism or medicine are just some of the industries that can benefit from this technology.. To do so, Oculus Rift and Facebook will need to persuade. Some of the privileged testers of the Oculus Rift got sick to their stomachs and just couldn’t get used to it. Facebook, on the other hand, hopes the virtual reality headset will become an everyday staple, like the internet and smartphones. This long-term bet is risky but not without ambition.
5. Will the ad appear?
Undoubtedly, this is one of the sensitive points about the process. Facebook would never pay such an amount without expectations of monetization. Like Instagram where ads are slowly appearing, It’s not impossible to see this integrate the Oculus Rift. Among other things, Facebook plans to amortize this takeover through advertising, as confirmed by Marc Zuckerberg to an audience of journalists on Wednesday, March 26: “There may be advertising in the virtual world.”
Opinions about this takeover are mixed, to say the least. Video game enthusiasts have been disappointed, even angered, as have some big names in the industry. Markus Persson, creator of the hugely popular Minecraft, chooses his side “We were in talks to develop a version of Minecraft on Oculus. I have canceled this contract. facebook scares me“. Are you in the same situation or, on the contrary, do you think this is a good thing for the Oculus Rift? We want your opinion.
Bonus: The funniest reactions from Oculus Rift testers
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