We’ve got a date for your diaries poker fans. PokerStars VR is set to launch on the Quest Pro on October 25 as one of only a select few games on Meta’s flagship mixed reality headset.
“Our goal with PokerStars VR is to push the potential of new technologies as far as we can to create a fun and authentic social casino game that really is limitless,” said James O’Reilly, Director of VR and Innovation at PokerStars. “We’re extremely proud to be part of the launch of Meta’s Quest Pro, which is a transformation in virtual and mixed reality.”
Check out PokerStars VR in the video below!
What is PokerStars VR?
“Our developers have been having great fun exploring what this technology means for our players”
Developed by Lucky VR and launched in 2018, PokerStars VR is a free-to-play social casino videogame that offers players a fully immersive virtual reality experience. Players can choose from a variety of poker formats such as cash games, multi-table tournaments, Sit & Go tournaments and Spin and Go’s. There are also poker leaderboards to compete in, as well as roulette, blackjack and slots.
“Our developers have been having great fun exploring what this technology means for our players,” said O’Reilly. “We can’t wait to show them what we have in store.”
Upgrades to the software including sophisticated face and eye-tracking enables players to interact with one another, with realistic facial expressions in customised avatars. Just like at the live felt, players will be able to sit down, check their cards and interact with other players while advanced haptics will enable more engaging gameplay in a full mixed reality world.
An AI Live Chat Monitoring tool called Tox Mod also ensures a safe environment in the virtual world, while players also have access to a range of in-game safety tools. They include:
- Take a time out from games
- Set spending limits
- Issue player reports
- Customise the extent of their interaction with others
PokerStars VR Looks to Augment Playing Experience w/ Worldwide Release
Is This the Future?
The concept of a virtual casino has been around for years, long before the launch of PokerStars VR. PokerNews even wrote about it back in 2015! Gambling used to flourish in virtual online platform ‘Second Life’ before it was outlawed, but free-to-play online casinos have come a long way since then.
PokerStars VR has a huge variety of poker games and the level of realism is unparalleled in virtual reality poker.
Many players only dream of playing in exotic locations such as Macau, Monte Carlo or even in space — PokerStars VR can transport players there and with the latest technology make it feel like you’re sitting directly opposite your opponent.
The online poker landscape has changed a lot — whether it’s jackpot SNGs or Mystery Bounty tournaments — and it’s not a stretch to suggest that another seismic shift is coming. With PokerStars VR being included in the latest cutting-edge technology such as Meta’s Quest Pro, it shows that poker and indeed PokerStars is dedicated to seeking out whatever the next big opportunity is.
Executive Editor E.U.
Will Shillibier is based in the United Kingdom. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German, and then studied for a NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism at Sportsbeat in Manchester. He previously worked as a freelance live reporter, and video presenter for the World Poker Tour.
