Steven Spielberg and Alejandro G. Inarritu Are Betting That Virtual Reality Will Actually Make Money
If VR is to become a genuine reality, though, what's needed now is a steady stream of revenue-producing content, argues Jim Mainard, executive vp digital strategy and new business development at DreamWorks Animation. He plans to make that case at the Digital Hollywood conference, where he will be one of the studio executives speaking about the future of VR and augmented reality.
But he predicts that "2019 may be where we turn the corner for revenue." Gaming generally is viewed as the low-hanging fruit — for instance, titles such as EVE: Valkyrie and Batman: Arkham VR are available for PlayStation VR's Oct. 13 launch. And on the narrative side of the equation, soon to come is the first VR content from leading Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg and Alejandro G. Inarritu. The Mexican-born helmer is planning an experimental VR short film exploring the experience of immigrants and refugees crossing the border between Mexico and the U.S.
In addition to content, a critical mass of consumers with VR headsets also is needed. To that end, in October Google introduced its Daydream View VR headsets for Android devices, which will ship for $79 in November. Daydream joins other systems for viewing VR using a mobile device, such as Google's earlier Cardboard and Samsung's VR Gear.
"Hand control is a big topic," says Schilowitz. Although the first wave of VR devices didn't allow viewers to interact with the environment around them with their hands, that's about to change. And, says Schilowitz, "I think the best experience is full-body immersion, where you're using your hands."
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