Xbox: VR will become a priority as the market grows

For several years, many manufacturers have embarked on virtual/augmented reality. Recently, a new candidate entered the race, and most importantly: Apple.

As a matter of fact, the Vision Pro, which the Apple brand introduced at the beginning of June 2023, a revolutionary mixed reality title. Like the iPhone 15 years ago, the Cupertino company is visibly determined to disrupt the VR market (still identifiable to the general public).

In a completely different field, namely video games, Sony has launched the PS VR2, a virtual reality headset for the PS5. And while Microsoft is expected to gasp at these competing offerings, not like that

VR isn’t Xbox’s priority, according to Matt Booty

Indeed, our colleagues Hollywood Reporter We were able to talk to Matt Booty, The man behind Xbox Game Studios. During this interview, the executive talked about Hollywood’s renewed interest in video game adaptations, as evidenced by the success of The Last Of Us franchise.

Most importantly, the executive gave his thoughts on the current expansion of VR/AR in the industry. According to that, It’s too early for Xbox and Microsoft to immerse themselves directly in these new technologies.

“I think for us the audience is nothing more than waiting. We are fortunate to have these wonderful intellectual properties that have become permanent franchises with large communities. We have 10 games that have passed 10 million players so far, which is a huge success, but that’s the scale we need to see game success, and that’s not the case in augmented reality and virtual reality yet.” He declares in the columns of the American media.

For Matt Booty, VR still represents this niche market struggling to mobilize crowds. At this point, it’s hard to prove him wrong. With 600,000 copies sold within six weeks of its launch, PS VR2 cannot be said to be a huge commercial success. The fault is especially with the high price of €600, which is €50 more than the PS5. What about Apple’s Vision Pro, which is strictly non-public and with a starting price of US$3,499 when it launches in early 2024.