We are all familiar with virtual reality by now. We have the Occulus Rift. The Galaxy S7 comes with a VR headset. We’ve even seen announcements of the popular anime title Sword Art Online getting a VR game. The technology is constantly improving by the second so it was a matter of time before we were introduced to the glorious world of VR. In the midst of this, some people have taken it a step further and integrated porn into the mix. What a time to be alive. We will be looking at adult VR and how it can change the world of porn forever.
Japan’s First Adult VR Festival
Adult VR Fest 01, the very first adult VR festival, was held last month in the Akihabara region of Tokyo, Japan. The festival was intended to showcase the latest inventions from the adult industry. According to Denfaminiko Gamer, there were 600 people gathered for this event. One of the attractions included a machine that simulates a woman on top of a man while he lays on the floor. With another attraction, you put your hand into a cardboard box which blew air and it allowed you to “fondle breasts”. With all the hype of the festival, the latest simulation headsets, male-friendly sex toys and other gadgets, it was a festival I definitely wanted to attend.
Unfortunately the festival was shut down due to overcrowding concerns. Around 20 fans made it inside but as the crowds continued to grow and try to push their way inside the organizers called the event off. The bosses who set up this festival have vowed that next time, it will be held in a bigger venue so this issue will not arise again.
Adult Video Game Industry Then and Now
While virtual reality is still within the early stages, VR porn has already made quite the impact on consumers. Over the last 20 months alone VR porn searches have increased 10,000%. Not only that, the popularity of VR porn doesn’t look like it will let up any time soon.
The porn industry has embraced virtual reality with open arms and now the adult video game industry has as well. For those who are interested in what the adult video game industry really is look no further than Japan. There are a variety of adult games in both the North American and European market; however, Japan has a 30- year history of developing anime-style games involving sex. Kafuji Sato, co-producer of Japanese company ImagineVR said that adult games used to make up a large percentage of PC game sales in Japan. Sadly, piracy has shuttered most adult PC game studios over the years. According to Sato, “there is still a high demand for adult games, but piracy makes it difficult for companies to sustain their business”. Looking towards adult virtual reality may be the key to bringing back the adult industry in Japan. Fans new and old definitely have something to look forward to as companies such as ImagineVR and Citor3 are working diligently to bring VR to the forefront of the porn industry.
Issues with Adult Virtual Reality
With all the good things are some bad lurking in the shadows. The biggest challenge in developing adult video games for virtual reality is motion sickness. Due to this challenge all adult virtual reality content has a fixed camera perspective, including 360-degree, live-action content. Jari Vuoristo, CEO for Citor3 Entertainment, said in regards to motion sickness that “they have some clever ways to make it much more convenient through delayed response.” Citor3 has developed an algorithm that will ease the head movements of a virtual character. This new technology will be in the company’s “fully interactive erotic virtual reality experience,” FemDomination. This title has been designed to put the player in a submissive role with a variety of dominant virtual female characters.
Another issue with adult virtual reality is character design and reaching certain audiences. FemDomination features virtual women who are more photorealistic, which Kafuji Sato says will not translate well to the Japanese market. The preference in Japan are more cartoonish, anime-style characters. Citor3 partnered with Kakimiki to bring the 3D artist’s Asian female character, called AB4, into the title BeacHouSeX. The character is a mixture of both anime and realistic art styles. With the mixture of both styles this game has potential to both Japanese and Western markets.
I have mixed feelings with having a VR experience with a more realistic looking character. I would opt for an anime character. While I understand that a more photorealistic character will appeal more to the Western countries, as a lover of not only hentai but 3DX as well, I am wanting something not natural. I don’t feel as though a realistic character would be arousing for me. Being able to “fulfill” my desires/fetishes is something I’ve always wanted to dabble with and virtual reality is the only way I’d be able to do it for the time being. How would I be able to turn down things like Girlfriends 4 Ever in a VR setting!? Call me crazy but unnatural situations is the only way I’d invest in a VR headset.
Virtual Reality and the Future of the Porn Industry
I feel VR will change the world of porn greatly. It has created the opportunity to have a more interactive experiences. Since piracy has been an issue for companies in Japan and production of adult video games have suffered, virtual reality has the capability of raising the adult industry and be able to produce many titles. While there will always be adult films, hentai, 3DX and the like, integrating technology such as VR will enhance the porn industry. I hope you are ready for this because VR is going to take the adult entertainment world by storm.
Sources
Featured Image: http://www.xrealities.com/articles_images/11576-;;;.png
Citor3: http://www.citor3.com/citor3_v3_002.htm
Trailer for BeachHouSex: http://video.fc2.com/en/a/content/20160322aL4g3Xc9
Patreon for Citor3: https://www.patreon.com/femdomination