Virtual reality (VR) has rapidly developed in recent years and has become a technology used in various fields. By allowing users to interact in a fully virtual world, it bridges the gap between the real world and virtual environments. In this article, we will explore in detail how VR is used in different areas.
Is Virtual Reality an Artificial Intelligence Application?
Virtual reality is an independent technology from artificial intelligence (AI); however, it can be used together with AI in many areas to achieve more effective results. While VR immerses the user in three-dimensional virtual worlds, AI can step in to personalize and enhance user experiences. For example, in a VR education application, AI can analyze the learning speed of a student and adapt the course content to individual needs. AI can also help VR better understand human behaviors and make interactions more realistic. But fundamentally, VR and AI serve different functions: VR creates virtual environments, while AI manages the processes within these environments.
Virtual Reality in Healthcare: The Role of VR in Treatment and Education
In the healthcare sector, virtual reality is a revolutionary tool, particularly in treatment and education. VR is used in therapy sessions where patients are offered virtual environments for psychological treatments, such as confronting phobias or managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Especially in VR-based exposure therapy, patients can confront their fears in a safe virtual environment, helping them gradually overcome them. In education, medical students and healthcare professionals can enhance their skills by performing virtual surgeries, allowing them to practice in realistic scenarios without the risks associated with real surgeries. For instance, a surgeon can use VR to repeatedly practice each step of an operation, gaining experience for complex procedures.
Virtual Reality in Education: How Does It Transform the Learning Experience?
In education, virtual reality allows students to learn by experiencing the topics being taught. Concepts that are traditionally taught only in theory can become three-dimensional and interactive through VR. Students can immerse themselves in historical events, explore different parts of the world in geography lessons, or take a virtual journey inside the human body in biology class. Thus, abstract concepts become more understandable and tangible. Moreover, VR also provides students with the opportunity to practice challenging subjects, allowing them to make mistakes without facing real-world consequences, continuing to learn in a risk-free environment.
A Revolution in the Gaming World with Virtual Reality
In the gaming industry, virtual reality has created a significant revolution by taking player interaction to the next level. In traditional games, players control characters on a screen, but with VR, they can become part of the characters themselves. VR technology provides players with a sense of truly living within the game, making the gaming experience more realistic and thrilling. Supported by motion tracking, haptic feedback, and environmental sounds, VR games physically immerse players into the game world. Players can move around in the virtual world, interact with objects, and engage directly with the environment.
What are the most played games that use Virtual Reality in the Gaming World?
Some of the most popular VR games in 2024, widely played across various VR platforms like Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2, and Valve Index, include:
Half-Life: Alyx – A groundbreaking VR experience from Valve.
Beat Saber : A rhythm-based lightsaber game.
Resident Evil 4 VR: A horror classic revamped for VR.
No Man’s Sky VR: An expansive space exploration game.
Superhot VR : A time-manipulation action game.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners : A survival horror game
Star Wars: Squadrons: A space combat game set in the Star Wars universe
VR in Construction and Architecture: Technology That Transforms Project Management
The architecture and construction sectors have started to benefit from virtual reality to manage projects more efficiently. With VR, architects can present their projects in 3D before construction even begins, allowing clients to take virtual tours of the building, examine room layouts, and suggest changes. This offers significant time and cost savings. VR also provides an opportunity to detect potential problems during the construction phase, ensuring that projects are completed more smoothly.
Virtual Reality in the Business World: A New Dimension for Remote Work
Virtual reality is beginning to change the model of remote work in the business world. VR allows employees to gather in the same virtual space, even if they are physically in different locations. During the pandemic, virtual meetings and collaboration platforms became more widespread. Through VR, employees from different cities within a company can work together on projects by meeting in the same virtual conference room. Moreover, presentations can be made more interactive with VR, and business processes can be managed more efficiently.
Virtual Reality in Psychotherapy: A New Era in Mental Health
In the field of psychotherapy, virtual reality is widely used, especially in exposure therapy. In such treatments, patients can confront their fears through virtual environments. For example, an individual with a fear of heights can feel as though they are standing on top of a tall building in a VR setting, helping them gradually overcome their fear in a controlled environment. Additionally, VR is an effective tool for managing anxiety and stress, as therapists can use it to teach relaxation techniques and help their patients find relief.
Virtual Tourism with Virtual Reality: Discover the World Without Traveling
Virtual reality offers a new way to explore the world without the need to travel. With VR, users can take virtual tours of famous tourist destinations. For example, you can virtually visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris or explore historic sites in Rome. These virtual tours gained significant popularity, especially during times of travel restrictions. Moreover, with VR, users can explore hotels and vacation spots before booking, making more informed decisions about their trips.
VR in Real Estate: Remote House Tours
In the real estate sector, VR offers buyers and renters the ability to tour properties remotely. Through VR, potential buyers can examine homes in detail without physically being there. This technology is particularly advantageous in international real estate markets, as clients can take virtual tours before making a trip to view the properties in person. Additionally, VR is used to market properties that have not yet been built, providing potential buyers with more detailed information.
Shopping with VR: Realistic Shopping Experiences in Virtual Stores
Virtual reality has also significantly transformed the shopping experience. With VR, customers can explore products in virtual stores and even try on clothing items virtually. In sectors like fashion and furniture, VR technology helps present products in more detail to consumers. Additionally, virtual stores offer personalized shopping experiences, making the process more enjoyable and engaging.
VR in Art and Creativity: A New Dimension in Digital Art
In the art world, virtual reality offers artists new creative possibilities. Using VR, artists can create three-dimensional digital artworks and present them in virtual exhibitions. This allows art lovers to visit museums and galleries around the world virtually. Virtual reality expands the reach of art to wider audiences, while also reshaping artistic expression in the digital realm.
What are the global adoption rates of reality for you?
The global virtual reality (VR) market is experiencing significant growth. By 2024, the VR market size is projected to reach $67.66 billion, and by 2029, it could surpass $200 billion. Despite this rapid expansion, VR headset ownership remains relatively low, with only 1.5% of global consumers expected to own a device by 2024. However, VR user engagement is increasing, with approximately 171 million people using VR globally in 2024, and this number is expected to grow to 216 million by 2025. The primary driver of adoption continues to be gaming, where VR enhances user experiences.
Virtual reality is a technology with enormous potential, offering solutions in various sectors. From education to healthcare, gaming to the business world, VR is impacting both individuals and institutions. As VR continues to become more widespread in the future, its applications and the opportunities it offers will expand even further.