Why Are VR Games So Short?
Virtual reality is a relatively new but completely captivating gaming medium. Gamers are investing money in their setups as more thrilling games are produced for VR platforms, and others are re-released to the format. However, many users have complained that time spent in a VR game is a short-lived experience. So with that in mind, why are VR games so short?
While many VR games are short, condensed experiences, this is sometimes done to minimize motion sickness or other adverse effects of spending extended time in the virtual environment. However, not all VR games are short; some can take up to 200 hours or more to complete.
In addition, some VR games are debatably short when they only concentrate on the main plot, but when they include extras, side quests and objectives, and the freedom to play at your own leisure, they become much more lengthy. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at why some VR games are considerably short and what VR games pack plenty of hours.
Why Gameplay Is Considered Short In VR Games
In the past, a small VR team at huge studios or small game companies with tight budgets, a narrow VR market, limited profit potential, and VR technology restrictions were also reasons why VR games were seen as short. In conclusion, games are expensive to create and develop regardless of whether they are on the PC, console, or VR.
A Statista research claims that 6 million VR consoles were sold globally in 2019 by Sony, Oculus, HTC, and other manufacturers. On the other hand, 40 million standalone consoles were sold by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo in 2019. As a result, the VR realm did not have a huge active player base compared to other gaming platforms during that period, and the results were often shown in the gaming content.
However, over the years, VR gaming popularity increased. Despite this, many games remained short owing to numerous studies, feedback, and concerns regarding physical effects, most notably, virtual reality sickness.
It is commonly recognized that prolonged usage of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices can result in vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), which can lead to visual fatigue, headaches, and motion sickness.
Many users have stated that after trying out the groundbreaking technology for the first time, even if they don’t usually get motion sick, they might feel excessively queasy after only a brief session. So, while VR technology advanced, several developers aimed toward shorter playtime to reduce the possible negative impacts of VR games.
On the positive side, results have proven that, in moderation, users have begun slowly training their eyes to each platform, whether it is a fast-paced first-person shooter or an intense musical rhythm genre. Still, regular breaks are required. As a result, VR games with more lengthy playtime and larger gaming studios have entered the VR market.
However, since many developers are creating new content and new VR games, VR gaming stores are still packed with short games for the time being.
VR Games With Plenty Of Play Hours
Virtual reality is frequently dismissed as a gaming gimmick rather than appreciated as a separate genre. However, while most VR games are made up of smaller portions, a few significant hidden gems deliver the complete marathon-worthy experience many gamers crave. That said, if you are questing for longer in-game content, feast your eyes on the following three examples:
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
A typical issue regarding console and PC games ported to VR is that they have more flaws and problems or do not transfer well enough to be worthwhile. Skyrim VR does not have this issue, although The Elder Scrolls V did.
You may explore the outdoors as well as the inside thanks to a large, totally interactive area, providing you limitless options and over 200 hours of fun to enjoy outside of the game tasks.
- Beat Saber
Beat Saber is very much like Dance, Dance Revolution, but for your hands, the level and length of each play differ depending on the tune you choose. Each ‘hand’ becomes a Light Saber that you slash blocks with to the beat of any chosen music, making it one of the most popular and successful VR games of all time (so far).
Though it appears to be a fair game with no strategy or motivation, it tests your dexterity and hand-eye coordination, presenting you with a challenging yet enjoyable experience each time you play.
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
You may play single-player or multiplayer, and as strange as it seems, you’ll have a great time immersing yourself in the life of a trucker in Euro Truck Simulator 2. You may do goals and tasks if you desire a touch of challenge, such as avoiding traffic penalties and accidents on the road, but you can just drive about mindlessly exploring.
You’ll even be able to work on establishing a fleet with a garage to manage, which, although not action-packed, is a soothing way to unwind after a hard day or week.
Is A Short VR Game Necessarily A Bad Thing?
As we get older and busy, many gamers cherish their spare time considerably more than they did when they were younger. That’s why we become more impatient and frustrated when we play a game that has been intentionally stretched with grinding and other filler content.
That’s not to say we’re against mindless entertainment, as we game away and get lost for hours in games like Half-Life Alyx, but when most of us spend time playing a game, we want to achieve real progress. As a result, many players find these shorter games intriguing as they strive to balance work, personal life, and entertainment.
Setting aside three hours to play through a beautifully written narrative like Moss VR is significantly more attractive than grinding light levels in an MMO. That is why many people are content that games like Vader Immortal have been successful, and many are enthusiastic to see more games like it in the future.
That is not to argue that all games should be cut down in length, but there are lessons to learn. For example, is it essential for a 20-hour RPG to spend an extra 10 hours grinding? Most definitely not. Making these games more focused and tightening up the design would benefit longer games because they would be less off-putting while remaining rather long.
A game like Asgard’s Wrath can never work in a short amount of time. Yet, after playing it on the easier difficulties, many will feel that the game gains little by removing unnecessary grinding. Most of us would prefer four incredible hours of entertainment over 25 dismal hours.
Conclusion
Currently, gaming, including elements of VR gaming, is at an all-time high. Over a dozen playable games are produced monthly, and the variety of games released now is greater than ever. It’s incredible to see that there now appears to be a game for every sort of player.
There is truly something for everyone, from fans of enormous, epic RPGs like Skyrim VR to those seeking more shorter experiences. Remember that several additional criteria are needed when assessing if a game is too short. Still, you can look forward to big, lengthy titles that may appear soon.
References
https://www.gamesradar.com/how-short-is-too-short-for-a-video-game/
https://www.livescience.com/what-causes-motion-sickness-in-vr
https://www.quora.com/Why-are-Oculus-Quest-games-so-short
https://screenrant.com/best-oculus-quest-rift-vr-games-not-short/
https://www.thegamer.com/virtual-reality-vr-games-long-playtime-worth-it-hours/
