Proving the longstanding rumors to be true, Shuhei Yoshida has unveiled Sony’s virtual reality headset today at the Game Developers’ Conference. Code-named “Project Morpheus” (named after the god of dreams, not a Matrix reference), the device is a culmination of over three years of work meant to be Sony’s innovative response to the latest virtual reality craze, which has previously been hyped up by the Oculus Rift.
Various speakers announced that the headset would be fully compatible with the DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation Move and the immensely sought after PlayStation 4 camera, a device that was essentially made to be compatible with virtual reality.
The current devkit produces a stunning 1080p display and a 90+ degree field of view. All of the expected features of virtual reality are present, such as position and head tracking, 360 degree rotations, incredible sound capabilities such as 3D audio, and more. Here is a more complete list of everything we know so far:
- It supports custom headphones; has an input jack for whatever brand of headphones you’d prefer to use.
- People with glasses will be able to use the headset with no problems.
- The devkit is currently wired (5 meters), but Sony is exploring wireless options.
- The headset will be “easy to use” and features plug-and-play; you buy it at the store, plug it in and it works instantly.
- Each PlayStation 4 will only need one headset for a full experience.
- Visual projection to a television is possible. Will allow others to see what the headset wearer sees.
- Multiplayer is a planned focus for Project Morpheus; will open up entirely new social capabilities
Sony also noted that special attention will be given to “presence”, a word they used repeatedly. Presence in the gaming world is meant to take priority over game design in virtual reality, as they will be able to accurately amplify emotion and further solidify VR as a medium, not just a peripheral.
According to Richard Marks, a member of Sony’s R&D, Project Morpheus is meant to go beyond gaming as well. Partnerships with NASA have been mentioned, and Sony would love to see virtual reality continue to provide innovative solutions for schools, workplaces and more.
Right now, Sony has no information regarding a release date beyond “as soon as possible” and the price point is anyone’s guess. We’ll have more information as soon as it’s available. In the meantime, how do you feel about the latest virtual reality trend? Do you believe that VR is the future of gaming, or will it die out like an over-hyped fad? Sound off in the comments.
In addition, check out this list of games and genres we’d love to see Project Morpheus used with.