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Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have revolutionized the world. Just look at the statistics. 

Statista projected that these technologies would produce revenues of $31.12 billion in 2023. It’s unclear whether Statista’s predictions are on track, but one thing’s for sure: The impact of VR and AR has also been felt in the gaming industry. Just look at the many VR and AR games that have a cult-like following. Batman, Beat Saber, The Walking Dead. All of them incorporate one or the other.

But that’s the gaming industry. What about the more specific gaming app industry which, as it is, is already thriving? The mobile gaming industry accounts for 53% of the total gaming revenue worldwide.

If you’re looking for investment opportunities in the gaming industry, this article is for you. Learn the impact of VR and AR on the gaming app industry and see why investing in the field is worthwhile.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented reality is the technology that superimposes pre-generated 3D graphics over the user’s view of their real-life surroundings or environment.

AR mobile apps utilize a user’s senses, especially sight, and hearing, to interact with the simulated environment. 

Here’s an example from Pokemon GO’s mobile application.

In this context, AR games detect the real world and overlay game audio and visuals onto it. This is done using sensors like cameras, microphones, and GPS. 

Even social networks are embracing AR technology. For instance, Instagram allows people to use virtual AR lenses to create computer-generated effects. These can be combined with real-life photos or videos. As a result, people and companies that use these filters have gained traction on social networks, with their more Instagram likes, followers and shares.

It’s universal knowledge that artificial intelligence can help you scale content creation. Using the right generative AI guide, you can prompt the tool to create content quickly. Plus, the content would amazingly meet the standards you trained the AI to follow in the first place. But did you know you could now also integrate AI with AR applications to help you in other ways? For instance, AI-powered assistants can now help users in an AR environment. Users can just take pictures with their phone camera, for example, then AI can explain what it sees in those images.

What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual reality is a technology that simulates a 3D environment. It allows the user to interact in an environment that is computer-generated. In this environment, the objects users see appear real and tangible. 

These worlds can also be explored in 360 degrees, giving them an immersive experience. 

What Distinguishes VR from AR?

The difference between AR and VR lies in their settings. Augmented reality makes use of a real-world setting while virtual reality leverages, well, a totally virtual one. In other words, AR users can control their position in the real world. VR users are guided and controlled by the computer system. 

To put it in numbers, AR is 25% virtual and 75% real, while VR is 75% virtual and only 25% real. 

Additionally, you can only access VR using a headset. On the other hand, you can access AR simply by using your smartphone. Here’s a breakdown of their major differences.

Finally, AR is used to enhance the real world and virtual world. VR, meanwhile, only enhances a virtual, fictional world or reality. 

What Impact Do AR and VR Have on the Gaming App Industry?

Whether you’re a newcomer setting up a business in the gaming industry or a publisher looking to invest in apps again, consider zeroing in on mobile gaming with AR and VR. Why? Here’s what VR and AR can deliver for the gaming app industry. 

• Immersive Gaming Experience

The immersive user experience provided by AR and VR is a true game-changer. These technologies do not allow mobile players to distinguish between virtual and real environments. AR and VR, therefore, allow users to play as their avatars and create realistic gaming environments for them to interact with. 

• Enhanced Graphics and Visuals

Augmented reality and virtual reality superimpose 3D models into real-world and virtual environments, respectively. The game design of augmented and virtual reality apps results in a computer-generated environment that the mobile player accepts because it looks convincing.

These 3D effects and convincing visuals can be considered the backbone of today’s gaming world. As emerging technologies like AR and VR enhance the graphics in mobile games, they provide a thrilling experience for players and make it easier to monetize apps.

• Optimizing Launch and Adoption

The launch and subsequent adoption of AR and VR gaming apps can be complex due to the novel user interfaces and experiences they offer. Partnering with a mobile UA consultant could help you to benefit from a deep understanding of how to market these innovative gaming experiences, focusing on strategies that highlight the immersive and interactive elements unique to AR and VR. Their expertise ensures that these advanced features are effectively communicated to potential users, maximizing early adoption and ongoing engagement.

• Multiplayer Experiences

Augmented reality and virtual reality apps can also allow for multiplayer experiences. In these types of games, each player controls a character in the game. The character can be a monster, a cartoon character, or a real person. 

The other players can see and interact with your character. For instance, A Way Out is a co-op game in which one player tries to help their partner escape from prison. It is a tense and immersive multiplayer Android mobile game that leverages virtual reality.

These multiplayer mobile games that use these emerging technologies allow real players to interact with other real gamers from around the world, too. The meta-reality space does not only enhance perception, but also allows for better levels of engagement in real-time with fellow mobile gamers. 

• New Gaming Genres

VR and AR technologies allow customized content creation for the ever-changing gaming market. This means that augmented and virtual reality allow the development of new gaming genres each year.  

For instance, after Jurassic World was made, a new game that marries paleontology and adventure, just like the movie, was developed. In the novel mobile app version, you could “collect dinosaur DNA samples” in your world and observe any animal in your collection virtually. 

With its 77% compound annual growth rate, the AR and VR industry can no longer be seen as just a passing fad. It will continue to allow the development of new gaming genres for as long as new characters and plots are made. With the 2.2 billion active mobile gamers around the world, those new gaming genres are bound to have a mobile version, just like the Jurassic World game.

In Closing

VR and AR are exceptional technologies that have transformed the mobile gaming app industry. With the immersive gaming experiences, enhanced graphics, multiplayer experiences and new gaming genres they deliver, VR and AR can no longer be ignored. 

Are you looking for investment opportunities in the gaming industry? Look no further than the VR and AR mobile gaming market. With time, you’ll see those more-than-satisfied players, app downloads and revenues just coming in.