2016_VRAR开发者创新调查报告（英文版）_9页_1mb

VR/AR Innovation Report Summary (August 2016)

Core Content

The VR/AR Innovation Report from the Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC) provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the VR/AR industry in 2016, based on survey responses from over 500 professionals involved in developing VR/AR games and experiences. The report highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, offering insights into the current landscape and future directions.

Main Platforms and Development Trends

• Platform Preferences: Developers showed strong interest in HTC Vive (34.6%) and Oculus Rift (23.4%), with Google Cardboard (14.0%) and Samsung Gear VR (10.3%) also being notable choices. Microsoft Hololens (6.5%) and PlayStation VR (3.7%) received less attention.
• Exclusivity Concerns: Only 21.9% of developers planned to release their next title exclusively on a single VR/AR platform, while 78.1% did not. This suggests a preference for cross-platform development.
• Funding Sources: The majority of developers (49.7%) funded their projects from personal funds, followed by company's existing funds (33.4%). Client funding (16.7%) and angel investors (13.3%) were also significant sources, while venture capital (10.6%) and crowdfunding (3.6%) were less common.

Challenges to Mass Market Adoption

• Nausea and Motion Sickness: A major concern among developers was the risk of nausea due to poor VR/AR experiences. Many cited the need for lower latency tracking and better locomotion mechanics to reduce motion sickness.
• High Cost of Entry: The cost of VR hardware (e.g., Oculus Rift and HTC Vive) was a significant barrier to mass-market adoption. Developers noted that affordable hardware is essential for broader consumer acceptance.
• Lack of Killer Apps: There was a consensus that the industry lacks compelling applications that could drive mainstream adoption. While gaming is a key area, many believed AR could offer more immediate value due to its integration with smartphones.

Technological and Design Obstacles

• Locomotion in VR: The movement mechanics in VR were highlighted as a critical design challenge. Developers emphasized the need for natural and comfortable movement solutions to enhance user experience.
• Markerless Tracking and Compositing in AR: For AR, markerless tracking and real-time compositing of virtual elements into the real world were identified as major technical hurdles.

Innovative Examples in VR/AR

• VR Games: Budget Cuts was cited as a standout VR game due to its teleportation mechanic and portal-based preview system.
• VR Experiences: Tilt Brush, Google's 3D painting app, was praised for its innovative interface and potential for creative expression.
• AR Games: Pokémon Go by Niantic and The Pokémon Company was noted as a global phenomenon, encouraging real-world interaction and physical activity.
• AR Applications: Microsoft HoloLens was highlighted for its markerless tracking and world compositing, with potential applications in architecture, healthcare, and education.

Long-Term Market Outlook

• Sustainability: 95.5% of developers believe VR/AR is a long-term sustainable market, indicating strong confidence in the industry's future.
• Consumer Adoption: Developers emphasized the importance of affordable hardware, useful applications, and comfortable user experiences to achieve mass-market success.

Conclusion

The report underscores the rapid growth of the VR/AR industry, the diverse range of platforms being developed, and the significant challenges that remain. Despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and innovation from developers suggest a bright future for VR/AR, especially as cross-platform development and affordable solutions continue to evolve.