As Playstation celebrates 20 years, Chris Schulz takes a look at what’s next for the gaming pioneer.
"You can't explain virtual reality until you try it," warns Michael Ephraim, the Australasian boss of PlayStation. "It's a massive step forward." That's a big call, but if anyone should know, it's Ephraim.
He's a 20-year gaming industry veteran, responsible for the rollout of the PlayStation 1 unit down underin 1994, back when there was "no internet, no Google, no Apple". "We were it," he laughs.
Now, after three subsequent console updates, including last year's top-selling PlayStation 4, Ephraim believes PlayStation is on the cusp of introducing another pop culture game-changer.
Michael Ephraim, the Australasian boss of PlayStation.
Talking to TimeOut at a glitzy Auckland ceremony celebrating PlayStation's 20-year history, it's clear Ephraim believes virtual reality could influence the industry just as much as the original Playstation console did.
Ten minutes later, I'm strapped into a demo version of Playstation's VR unit, experiencing a non-playable movie called The Deep. The helmet is hefty, but comfortable, with cushioned pads and adjustable goggles that fit snugly to my face. As a demo for The Deep begins, I'm instantly immersed.
Looking down, I can see the bottom of the sea through the dive cage's virtual bars. Look left, and there are jagged rocks. To my right is a whirlpool of bubbles and fish. And when I look up, a giant set of fangs have grabbed the cage door and ripped it off - I was very nearly eaten by a giant shark and jumped so much the giggles of everyone watching on were loud and clear.
Panic sets in as the sleek, silver beast circles my cage menacingly, and I cautiously spin around, following his movements.
Video quality is crystal clear, and as you're surrounded by visuals from all sides, the experience feels absolutely real.
When the shark's fangs finally engulf you and the experience fades to black, ripping off the helmet is a mixture of relief and excitement.
It's definitely a rush, like you've been transported to the future and you're glad to have survived the trip.
Ephraim's right - you can't explain virtual reality unless you've experienced it. While traditional gaming relies on flat screens and consoles, PlayStation VR provides a far more immersive experience. You can sense the possibilities across multiple genres: horror games with terrifying foes behind you, first-person shooters with bullets zinging into walls next to you, or movies that really are 3D.
Another game being trialled at PlayStation's birthday bash makes this point even clearer. Called The Getaway, it's a pretty simple experience: you're in the front seat of a van next to a Guy Ritchie-style gangster who asks you to grab a gun and start shooting at the mobsters attacking us from all sides.
Playstation's Virtual Reality headset, due for release in 2016.
Using hand-held wand sticks to control you gun, your job is to take out as many mobsters as possible. Aiming and firing is a breeze, much easier than using thumbsticks to manoeuvre crosshairs across the screen. But what really stands out is how many more options VR gives you: you can shoot out the windscreen, change the radio station, or lean out the window to shoot at cars behind you. It's a thrilling experience, but when a gangster with a minicannon opens fire at point blank range, I'm glad it ends before I wind up swimming with sharks again.
PlayStation's VR unit isn't out until 2016, and prices aren't yet established.
It will compete against Samsung's Gear VR, already on the market, and the highly anticipated Oculus Rift, due out early next year.
But all eyes are on PlayStation VR: the company remains the leading home console provider in New Zealand, and, as Ephraim is happy to point out, they have a history of leading the way when it comes to pioneering new technology, dating back to the PlayStation 1.
Ephraim says there is plenty to come for PlayStation VR, with more than 200 publishers working on content. And he can't wait for gamers to get their hands on them.
"I still love watching people demo it. Their reactions are amazing - they're blown away," he says eagerly.
