The Microsoft HoloLens and Gaming

I'm not sure if you could consider the Microsoft HoloLens a virtual reality or augmented reality headset, but either way it is an amazing concept.  What sets the HoloLens apart from other VR headsets is that it is not a complete immersion and does not block out your surroundings.  Instead of taking someone into the virtual world, it brings the virtual world into ours.  The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and other headsets are like a mask that covers the eyes with a screen completely immersing the user in a world of their choosing.  What Microsoft did when making the HoloLens is different in that it's like a pair of glasses.  The user can see their surroundings and the HoloLens makes it look like there are holograms that you can interact with.  There are many uses of this that seem like they are out of science fiction but for the sake of this review I will be focusing on how this virtual reality headset can be used for gaming, both playing and designing.

For those of you who have ever used 3D modeling software, imagine being able to see your creation laid out before you instead of just on a 2D screen.  In my opinion this brings a whole new aspect to three dimensional modeling.  I think this is especially true if you are making a game for another VR device because of how the game is will be displayed.  It gives designers a new perspective and a new way to look at 3D models from maps to structures to weapons to character models.  All of this can be seen right on your desk and I'm not talking about on your computer screen.

At the moment the only game that is being made for the HoloLens is Minecraft.  Microsoft bought Mojang, the company that makes Minecraft so it makes sense that this game would be able to run on it.  I think that this is also because of the game itself.  Minecraft is a one of a kind game and works well with the HoloLens.  You can see your world laid out in front of you... literally.  With the HoloLens you can take your Minecraft world and place it on a table in front of you, viewing your creations like a god.  I'm not saying this to appeal to those of you with a god complex, I'm saying this because you can summon a lightning strike just by looking at your target.

This product still has problems such as having a limited field of view.  However, let us not forget that the HoloLens is something new and Microsoft is still developing it.  I won't deny that there is quite a bit of work to be done before this is a polished product that runs like a well oiled machine but I am looking forward to where the HoloLens will lead and if and how it will be used with other games.