Sony’s VR period looks to be slowing down immensely after the company approved the sale of hundreds of VR-related patents to rival firm Meta.
Previously head-to-head rivals in the VR race, Sony seems to have conceded this year, with the intention of transferring a total of 419 global patents to Meta, while 43 US-specific patents have changed hands between June and September alone.
Sony Cooling Off in VR Race
Reported by ZDNet Korea, via Push Square, Sony’s move suggests the company is pulling back on the VR front, with the PSVR2 failing to make as much of an impact as its predecessor.
The cost of the devices, alongside the rising costs of gaming in general, have certainly played a part, and while it seemed a few years back that VR was key to Sony’s plans, that has changed.
Meanwhile, Meta is still all-in on VR, with VR Glasses due to be released next year, which will make a significant leap forward for the industry, as the aim is to reduce the size and bulkiness of units.
It remains to be seen what the future of VR holds, and whether it’s a flash in the pan technology, like the 3D TV craze, or something that is here to stay for the long term.
Either way, it seems Sony is focusing attention elsewhere, with the company continuing to transition away from general electronics into entertainment products, and there’s plenty to do in the build-up to PlayStation 6’s eventual release.
Do you think the peak of the VR era has come and gone? Let us know your thoughts on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
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