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Oculus Rift Is Now the Most Popular VR Headset On Steam (venturebeat.com)

The Oculus Rift has overtaken the HTC Vive on the monthly Steam hardware survey for the first time since the launch of both headsets in early 2016. VentureBeat reports: The survey is entirely optional and scans a user's PC for various hardware components, including any VR headsets that may be connected. After a few months of catching up to Vive, the Rift was neck-and-neck with its rival in January's survey with 0.9 percent between the two. However, February saw Oculus step past HTC; Rift took 47.31 percent of the total hardware use, and Vive fell to 45.38 percent, leaving just under 2 percent between them. It's still a tight race, then, but this is the first time Rift has managed to surpass Vive. Again, this is in no way confirmation that the Oculus Rift has sold more units than the HTC Vive, as neither headset has had official sales figures released, but it's the best shot we've got at gauging the market share right now. Rift also took the "Most Popular Headset" space in Steam's individual listings for the second time ever.

39 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. Killer App by alvinrod · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I haven't followed the VR scene much, but is there actually a killer app for it yet? I know there were some impressive tech demos, but from what I've heard there aren't any games that offer a truly compelling VR experience to make buying now (as opposed to waiting for generation 2 or 3 hardware) for any reason beyond technology lust necessary.

    1. Re:Killer App by mrun4982 · · Score: 1

      No, there still isn't any killer app. It's still mostly just a novelty. While I don't have a VR headset, I work with several folks that do and they all say the same thing. There are definitely some cool games out there but nothing that screams "every gamer must go out and buy one of these things!". In fact, none of them use their headsets much anymore.

    2. Re:Killer App by damnbunni · · Score: 1

      There are a couple things they're really fantastic for. I have a Rift and love using it for flight sims and racing games.

      I just wish there was a WWI sim with native VR support. It can sort-of be hacked into Rise of Flight, but there's no stereoscopy, so it's just a head-tracking flat display. Alas.

      On the other hand, if you're one of those people that likes using X Plane to fly a 747 from Chicago to LA, it wouldn't work. Wearing the headset that long would be a serious headache.

    3. Re:Killer App by allcoolnameswheretak · · Score: 1

      Not sure if they qualify as "Killer App", but there are some fully-featured games out by now that are well beyond the "tech demo" stage and are a blast to play. Some examples for the most high-quality games out there are:
      House of the Dying Sun, GORN, The Lab, Raw Data, Rez Infinite, Space Pirate Trainer, Vanishing Realms, Waltz of the Wizard.

      Then there is Google Earth VR, which could be a killer app, if you're into exploring the world Google Earth-style, in VR. I frequently find myself using it to check out some places. It will not replace travelling anytime soon, but it really can convey a feeling for what any place on the planet is "like". It's the next best thing to being there in person.

      Beyond that, VR is great as a modelling tool, Google Blocks or MasterpieceVR are just a few example applications that make it easy for ordinary people to create quite impressive 3D models.

    4. Re:Killer App by iamacat · · Score: 2

      There is plenty of real fun stuff now - "I expect you will die", "The climb", both episodes of "The Gallery", Obduction, Google Earth... Beyond immersive effect, big world games make more sense in VR as you intuitively grasp directions rather than having to keep track of rooms and various entrances.

    5. Re: Killer App by JThundley · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Elite: Dangerous is one of the best VR games.

    6. Re:Killer App by iMadeGhostzilla · · Score: 1

      The killer app for VR seems to be being a plot device in SciFi stories. Don't need the latest hardware for that though.

      Confession: I'm a little disappointed it hasn't become more than that yet.

    7. Re:Killer App by _Shorty-dammit · · Score: 1

      I bought mine just for racing in iRacing. I've had a triple-monitor 6036x1080 setup for years now. After using the Rift for the first time in a race there was no going back. Resolution is worse. FOV is worse. But depth perception makes them irrelevant.

    8. Re:Killer App by RespekMyAthorati · · Score: 1

      is there actually a killer app for it yet?

      Yes, Google Earth VR.
      It turns a city into a LegoLand-like model that you can walk around in like a giant.
      Unfortunately you can't squash people and cars like bugs or leave giant footprints behind.

    9. Re:Killer App by Venerable+Vegetable · · Score: 1

      No killer app, and I'm not so sure about a generation 2 or 3. Without game developers getting behind it, VR is going to have a hard time getting anywhere. The problem is that it takes a lot of work to make a game do 3D properly, and most don't seem to want to invest.

      For now it is looking similar to the 3D gaming from a few years ago. That tech never matured and quietly died.

      I love to play games on my 3D tv, but it usually takes me a whole evening to configure just one game right. Same thing with many games on VR.

    10. Re:Killer App by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      3D porn

    11. Re:Killer App by crypticedge · · Score: 1

      HTC already announced the Gen 2 model.

      I'm waiting on the wifi kit that will be retroactive able to work with the Gen 1 vive before I start using mine heavy again. Wires suck

    12. Re:Killer App by ryanmetcalf · · Score: 1

      Agreed!

    13. Re:Killer App by nospam007 · · Score: 1

      "the only thing keeping the Oculus and the rest in demand is stereoscopic porn. "

      Yeah, I hate that, when I don't see the couples fucking behind me.

    14. Re:Killer App by Dahlgil · · Score: 1

      "Killer apps" (or "killer games") are matters of opinion, but there is no question in my mind that games like "Talos Principle" are simply in another category when played in VR. I have my arcade machine, my Nintendo Switch, and my PC pancake games that I continue to play, but for certain specific games, VR has no equal. The ones that come immediately to mind (beyond TP) are VTOL (a military flight sim), Iron Wolf (submarine sim), and Eleven Table Tennis. And, of course, there is Space Pirate Trainer (no experience like it in the flatscreen world), the Invisible Hours (a virtual who done it play), the new Sprint Vector, etc., etc. To me these are all "killer".

  2. Most popular? by OneHundredAndTen · · Score: 2

    Or perhaps "least unpopular"? I mean, how many people are using these devices?

    1. Re:Most popular? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      looks like 851k total. http://steamspy.com/app/250820

  3. Huge price drops,finally shipped their controller by AbRASiON · · Score: 2

    They've really discounted the thing of late, plus their controllers are quite good (apparently). I wouldn't say the price is reasonable but it did drop in to a range that only partially wealthy enthusiasts could try.

  4. Re:Huge price drops,finally shipped their controll by youngone · · Score: 1

    I have just bought a Samsung Gear VR which has Oculus on the side for 10 of my local dollars.
    I am pretty sure they're struggling to give them away.

  5. Bigscreen by HannethCom · · Score: 1

    You said Killer App, and not Killer Game.
    My Killer App is Bigscreen. Best of all, it is free.
    Yes, Rift Core 2.0 has desktop support, but in all honesty, it SUCKS!!! I am hoping it gets better in the future, but if you want to use your desktop Bigscreen is where it is at right now.
    My main use for it is to use the computer at night without my kids being able to see the screen. This is so they can sleep, instead of getting the blue light from my monitors. Also watching YouTube on a big screen is really cool. I also managed to get 3D Blu-rays finally working.
    Strangely enough, I mostly play GTA Online in my Rift. I did buy VorpX, but the performance is poor, and if you are in first person, I find the 3D wonky quite a bit, or I have to opt for poor 3D with poor performance. I more play it on a screen in Bigscreen. Again, so my kids can't watch me playing.

    --
    Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon what's the difference? All steal money from devs and control with walled gardens.
  6. PSVR is getting there by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    Take a look at Moss.

    Also supposedly Resident Evil VR was really good but I've not tried it yet.

    PSVR Has some pretty large amount of Sony backing so it's moving the industry forward even if consumers are a little slow to adopt.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:PSVR is getting there by scdeimos · · Score: 1

      PSVR Has some pretty large amount of Sony backing...

      I really wish that were true. Sony's doing all sorts of stupid things here such as only bundling the Aimtroller with games (originally Farpoint, starting tomorrow Bravo Team) and not permitting it to be sold separately.

      And then there's performance... Even with a dedicated accelerated framebuffer/GPU for the PSVR drawing stereo images to its 1080p OLED display game publishers are still dumbing down titles for it. Elder Scrolls Skyrim is a perfect example of this: instead of updating their graphics engine they chose to be cheap and use lower resolution textures and reduce the draw distances; as a result the PSVR version gets 6.8/10 scores on IGN versus 9/10 for (regular) Playstation versus 9.5/10 for PC.

    2. Re:PSVR is getting there by SuperKendall · · Score: 2

      I really wish that were true. Sony's doing all sorts of stupid things

      But they are doing fewer stupid things than other platforms, and offer a way easier way to have a rig that supports VR than the other systems.

      And then there's performance... Even with a dedicated accelerated framebuffer/GPU for the PSVR drawing stereo images to its 1080p OLED display game publishers are still dumbing down titles for it.

      Sure but what draws people in is way more the quality of the experience than the technical details and flat-out performance. Sure there will always be game makers making missteps but on the PSVR at least you have a lot more companies trying. Percentage wise the PSVR will always come out better just because there are so many more attempts...

      --
      "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  7. it's so 2017 by goombah99 · · Score: 2

    It's not so much how many people use them but how many people buy them now. The latter determines if it's a passing fad.

    --
    Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
  8. Re:Huge price drops,finally shipped their controll by AbRASiON · · Score: 1

    I really recommend you get that milk player program and check out some VR porn, it's certainly an experience.

  9. Re:Huge price drops,finally shipped their controll by elcor · · Score: 1

    for $399 you get a very good headset, yes very good hand controllers with solid tracking if you face the 2 eyes, plus you get a fun game roborecall and if you are into art you get quill and medium. Medium itself is a very good voxel sculptor. I don't like being in VR but the last bit was enough to have me buy one and I don't regret it a bit.

  10. Subnautica by Wraithlyn · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I would say Subnautica is pretty close to a "must play" killer-app for VR. As in, the VR experience itself is incredibly compelling... swimming and piloting submersibles is a perfect fit for VR, and it's a gorgeous world to explore (and a fantastic game to boot).

    Unfortunately the VR has quite a few rough edges when it comes to the UI. Hopefully they will fix these, as with a bit of polish I wouldn't hesitate to call Subnautica the first VR gaming masterpiece.

    Elite Dangerous is also decent if you're into it, but it's certainly not for everyone.

    --
    "Mind, as manifested by the capacity to make choices, is to some extent present in every electron." -Freeman Dyson
    1. Re:Subnautica by rikkards · · Score: 1

      Subnautica was what made me go out and get a Vive. I was willing to upgrade the video card but it runs fine on my 1050Ti.
      I don't use the wands though. I do mouse and keyboard and have vision pointer (or whatever they call it) enabled.

      I did try Minecraft and Half Life 2 and both I could see right away I wouldn't be able to play long with how they run right now.

    2. Re:Subnautica by RespekMyAthorati · · Score: 1

      I would say Subnautica [steampowered.com] is pretty close to a "must play" killer-app for VR.

      Agreed.

  11. Most popular VR headset on Steam... by HockeyPuck · · Score: 1

    And Grover is the toughest muppet...

  12. Re:Good. by Tyger-ZA · · Score: 1

    I've tried both of those as well as the PSVR. For both comfort and market share, Sony's headset is miles ahead of the Rift and the Vive.

    As an indicator of whether VR is going to be around in the future or considered a fad, PSVR and the share of VR games sold for PS4 is one to watch

    https://www.statista.com/stati...

  13. Video Cards by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    with all the mining where the fudge are we supposed to get the video cards to run VR?

    1. Re:Video Cards by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

      How about running VR in 640x480? Maybe in 16 colours to increase the frame rate a bit?

      --
      #DeleteFacebook
  14. And Samsung GearVR has sold more than both.. by ihaveamo · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I wonder if people running a GearVR (or even cheap cardboard), and running a VR tool such as Vridge/Riftcat come up as in those STEAM tech specs, and if it's enough to skew the results? You may laugh, but GearVR is the gateway drug that will push VR forward. Don't think it's just a cheap "Cardboard" knock-off. It's got oculus positional electronics in it, and coupled with a new Galaxy/Note, you actually get a HIGHER resolution than an HTC Vive or Rift. Sure, it's missing positional head-tracking and room-scale, and only 60fps, and not 90fps .. and is a bit technical to set up with vRidge and some webcams, but for close to $nothing$ you can get quite an immersive experience. (Vridge allows HTC Vive / oculous shimming through GearVR) If you're a nerd and own a Galaxy8 or note8 - go get a GearVR, download vridge, dust off a couple of old ps3 move controllers, and you've got a cheap Vive/rift roomscale VR system.

    1. Re:And Samsung GearVR has sold more than both.. by GuB-42 · · Score: 1

      Probably not included. AFAIK, VRidge/RiftCat come with its own driver in SteamVR, so it is probably included in the ~7% of headsets that are neither the Vive nor the Rift.
      I am interested in VR and I didn't even know about VRidge/RiftCat, so I suppose it is kind of niche. The GearVR for my phone (Note4) is hard to find and way too expensive so I didn't really give it a thought and bought a Rift, I don't regret it.

  15. DIY? by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

    Is there an open-source-style project out there to build a Vive/Oculus/etc-compatible VR headset for a lot cheaper?

    --
    #DeleteFacebook
  16. fuck statistics by nospam007 · · Score: 1

    How about some numbers?

    If I tell you that 50% of our secretaries are pregnant, doesn't tell you that there only 2 of them.

  17. VR by jon3k · · Score: 1

    Before you dismiss it, I'd encourage you to just give it a shot. It is absolutely first gen technology, and the resolution isn't where it needs to be, but the feeling of "presence" you get strapping on a Vive headset/controllers is a completely unique experience. There are some of really fun games, like Raw Data or The Gallery: Call of the Starseed, or the Rec Room mini-games are amazing, epsecially with friends.

    If this isn't something you're really excited about, wait for gen 2 before buying, unless you just have a lot of income. But seriously, just don't dismiss it out right, give it a shot and decide what you think. Personally I've got an HTC Vive and it's been incredible. I cannot wait for the next generation.

  18. Re:Steam by Falos · · Score: 1

    Don't feed the trolls.

    Unless you're more clever than the average surface dweller bear and can handle yourself on the internets. Please accept this IOU mod written on a donut-smudged napkin.