PokerStars VR Looks to Augment Playing Experience w/ Worldwide Release
PokerStars isn’t afraid to try new things, which is evidenced by the recent launch of the NLH/PLO hybrid PokerStars Fusion. Earlier this year, the online poker giant also invited 150 players to test out PokerStars VR in a closed beta test.
That test proved successful, and now the company has made PokerStars VR available to players in all their global markets with downloads available through Oculus, Viveport, and Steam. Developed in coordination with virtual reality developer Lucky VR, PokerStars VR combines the worlds of live and online poker.
“We wanted to venture into the world of virtual reality because we believe it is an exciting avenue of technology to explore and something that our players would appreciate."
“When we showcased the product, it was amazing to see people really enjoy and become engrossed in the game,” said Severin Rasset, Director of Poker Innovation and Operations at PokerStars. “We wanted to venture into the world of virtual reality because we believe it is an exciting avenue of technology to explore and something that our players would appreciate. I highly recommend that everyone tries out the game as it can only truly be understood and enjoyed by experiencing it.”
The PokerStars VR experience, which is compatible with Twitch broadcasting and Oculus Rift streaming, not only allows players to hand chips and cards, they can talk and interact with other players in five different environments – Macau 2050, The Macau Suite, The Showdown Saloon, Monte-Carlo Yacht, and The Void.
PokerStars VR User Reactions
Back in September, our very own Yori Epskamp participated in the exclusive beta test and wrote a review for PokerNews in which he said: “One thing is for sure: together with Lucky VR, PokerStars has delivered a social gaming experience with PokerStars VR that is fun, fully immersive and a blast to play.”
Additionally, well-known players have taken notice of PokerStars VR.
"It's not going to appeal to the grinders that typically are playing six to eight tables, but it's going to appeal to pretty much everyone else," said Jaime Staples. "It's a broader way of playing poker, it's a richer experience. I think everyone from who've never played before to who enjoy playing for play money with their friends, will love it."
If Team PokerStars Pro Liv Boeree’s recent tweet is any indication, she is anxious to get into action.
Virtual reality poker is coming... @PokerStars https://t.co/F0dlChI3dJ
— Liv Boeree (@Liv_Boeree)
Jeff Gross echoed those sentiments: “This blew my mind when tried it in Barcelona! Have been looking forward to this!”
Others on Twitter also expressed their excitement.
“Pretty cool that PokerStars pushes the boundaries and does not wait until VR is mainstream. Great step,” wrote @KryptoHeinz.
Chris Buckley was all about the new offering, tweeting: “I got to play PokerStars VR this morning ahead of the release! I might have to head home and buy a VR headset now.”
Here’s a look at what you can expect from PokerStars VR:
The Stars Group owns a majority shareholding in iBus Media.
