The war amongst gambling software developers to be the first to fully integrate virtual reality into slot and casino games has been heating up for a while, and it looks like IGT have put their noses in front after introducing a VR headset-based playing experience.Unfortunately for those looking forward to the VR experience from home, this VR experience will only be available on the casino floor for the time being as part of IGT’s Virtual Zone Platform.
HTC partnership
The VR opportunity comes from a partnership that has been developed between IGT and HTC that will allow IGT to use HTC’s new VIVE VR headset for casino games developed by the brand.This will be the first time that a VR headset is used in a casino environment and all eyes will be on the success if the IGT venture to see how popular it becomes.
The Virtual Zone Platform
Only being rolled out at a couple of casinos to start with, if the trial of these VR casino games is successful we can expect them to be made available across many more land-based casinos in the near future.Speaking of the exciting new development, Enrico Drago, SVP of Global Product Marketing Interactive, Betting, & Licensing, said:“IGT is committed to developing and delivering the most compelling content for our customers across multiple channels and platforms. Arcade Saga is a testament to the usability and relevance of IGT’s SDK. HTC successfully adapted one of its most popular VR titles into a solution that IGT customers can leverage to entertain their players in a new way. We look forward to the further expansion of IGT’s VR content library through this program.”Currently available at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Vegas, expect the Virtual Zone Platform to be found in many more places if the launch goes well!