Has Coronavirus Given VR The Boost It Needed?

Matthew Martin, MD at Immersive Studios, shares his thoughts on the future of virtual reality

When virtual reality (VR) first broke onto the mainstream scene about five or so years ago, it was met by some with scepticism and some as a revelation – predicted to revolutionise how we consume content and interact with each other. But the big boom predicted didn’t pan out quite like that. Consumer uptake remains relatively modest and it has turned out to be enterprise use – where the technology has been put to a practical purpose – that has seen most growth. But the situation created by the coronavirus has changed how everyone around the world is living. Could this crisis be the moment for VR to shine?

At the time of writing, the world is still very much in the grip of the coronavirus crisis. While lockdowns have now begun to ease in some areas, we are still very much adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and working out ways we can safely return to life in the office, schools, pubs, theatres – the list goes on. One thing, however, is certain. Quick and easy international travel as we know it has come to a near standstill, with many borders closed and quarantines in place for travellers. For a global economy, this has fundamentally changed how businesses operate – and VR has stepped into the breach.

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