EA CEO views VR as fourth 'modality' of playing games
Between the Oculus Rift, Valve's prototype virtual reality technology and rumors of Sony's plan to enter the VR space sometime this year, there are plenty of opportunities for developers to experiment with the concept. We've seen plans to support the technology from games like The Witness and Strike Suit Zero, but it's not quite to the point where Oculus Rift support is listed in the same breath as planned platforms during a game's E3 reveal. EA CEO Andrew Wilson sees potential for the technology to shake things up however, and Polygon's interview explores his view of VR as a possible fourth "modality" of play.
Wilson sees three existing styles of play: "Lean Back" experiences, where the player is in a home entertainment environment, "Lean In" titles where the player is using PCs or consoles for first-person shooters, real-time strategy or role-playing games, and "Lean Over" games, where the player is using a phone or tablet. Wilson views VR gear as a fourth "Get In" style of play, one that uses headsets or "some hologram that evolves out of your living room floor" to further involve the player in a game's action.
While it's no confirmation that VR projects are in active development, Wilson added that he has told his team to "start thinking now about the experiences" offered with the "Get In" style of play. We can only hope that includes integrating VR tech with the Mirror's Edge reboot, so we can properly trick ourselves into feeling like we can do parkour without the involved spraining of ankles.
[Image: EA]
