From: mjz@pipeline.com (Michael J. Zanoni)
Subject: MISC: Results from Survey of Opinions on VR
Date: 6 Sep 1995 13:45:16 -0400
Message-ID: <42kmnc$ri2@pipe3.nyc.pipeline.com>
Organization: The Pipeline


From mjz@pipeline.com (Michael J. Zanoni)

To all those who took the time to respond to my request for opinions
on the state and future of VR..... a much appreciated Thank You.
 
For those interested, please note the following summary of results: 
 
Most believe that VR Entertainment will co-exist with traditional
cartridge games.
 
Although 75% state that better, cheaper HMDs and a greater selection
of better games could change that.
 
95% are not concerned about motion sickness or other illnesses
possibly caused by exposure to VR environments.  Most believe it is an
interim situation which will be remedied by improved technology.  Some
made a good example of the initial, similar claims made against
television, and then later, against color television.
 
60% would not upgrade their current system to provide for VR....
interesting from the people in the newsgroup wouldn't you say.
 
An HMD, glove and 3-D accelerator card were the items identified for
purchase.  With only 20% indicating they may actually buy one of these
in the near term.  Most are waiting for improved 3-D cards and a
larger selection of better software.
 
Note two interesting results from a recently conducted general consumer,
computer gamer survey: 
 
Their #1 aspiration of VR is to suspend their disbelief.  However, in
order to accomplish this, they feel "outside reality" must be blocked
out.  They are also not so concerned about articles published
concerning possible illnesses from VR exposure.  This obviously flies
in the face of some HMD designs.
 
Many are waiting for a great 3-D, basically non violent VR game - I
liken this situation to Nintendo's initial introduction of Donkey Kong
and Super Mario Bros. into a similar marketplace at the time.
 
Thank you Again 
 
Michael J. Zanoni