Sony has unveiled its next-generation virtual reality headset and an exclusive gaming title, ramping up its rivalries in VR and the metaverse.
The PSVR2 headset and exclusive title “Horizon Call of Mountain” provide users with upgraded visual technology and the ability to immersively tap into the ever-growing metaverse.
In addition to its new hardware and title, Sony plans to launch a new PlayStation Tournaments feature on the PS5, allowing players to enter certified competitions to win prizes.
Sony joins a growing list of tech companies embracing VR and the metaverse.
- In June, Meta’s virtual reality division, Oculus, acquired BigBox VR, a VC-backed startup that creates online VR games, for an undisclosed amount.
- Microsoft announced an integration in November with its office-focused Microsoft Teams software and metaverse platform Mesh.
- Last month, Rec Room, a free-to-play VR gaming platform, raised $145 million, valuing the company at $3.5 billion.
The Good and Bad
Sony lowered its full-year production forecast for the PS5 to 15 million units by March 2022, down from a previous target of 16 million. Like many others in tech, the Tokyo-based company is suffering from the semiconductor shortage and supply chain constraints.
Sony posted $21.5 billion in revenue in fiscal Q2 2021, a 13% increase compared to the same period a year prior. The company’s Game & Network Services segment saw sales reach $5.7 billion, a 27% uptick compared to fiscal Q2 2020.
