What was your reaction when you found out that to hop on board the Oculus Rift train, you were going to need to drop $600 on it? That price point really makes one weigh how important virtual reality is to a gamer.
Many games industry analysts are struggling with a proper response to the Rift’s cost as well. Some are saying that it’s a little too pricey (even “overly optimistic”), especially considering the computer specs required to run it, while others say that it might be selling at a loss.
Minority Media CEO Vander Caballero commented, “As a game developer, I wish the Rift had come in at a lower price point to help speed up the adoption of VR and recoup our investment faster. As an avid fan of VR, I understand the frustration about the Rift’s price, but I’m not surprised.”
The general consensus is that while the Oculus Rift and other VR devices won’t flop, the fact that they’re pricey and a new(ish) concept will slow down the penetration into the mainstream. However, some analysts predict that by 2018, prices will be coming down and gamers will be much more accepting of VR on the whole.
“I see VR as a supplement to conventional gaming, not as a substitute, but it will drain some wallet share,” Wedbush Securities Managing Director Michael Pachter said.
