# Recreational Virtual Reality Gamers revert to mundane roleplay. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/recreational-reality ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Recreational Virtual Reality trend? **Recreational Virtual Reality:** The rise of virtual simulation in gaming has evolved to new heights with controller-less consoles and innovations that place players as far into a game as possible, but the advancements have brought about a new level of apathy that's showing up in new games, which simulate the mundane nature of real life. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 14, 2013 to Feb 18, 2014 - Published: Apr 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Recreational Virtual Reality trend ### Death-Simulating Games 'DayZ' demonstrates that gaming simulation can blur the player's moral compass, suggesting an opportunity for the development of games that scrutinize societal values and morality. ### Sarcastic Appliance Sim Games 'Robot Vacuum Simulator 2013' proves that clever humor and sarcasm can elevate subpar games, offering opportunities for new games in emerging markets. ### Recreational Virtual Reality New applications of gamification technology, such as the 'Disunion' and 'Always Sometimes Monsters' games, suggest opportunities for the development of psychological immersive training, educational, and behavioral tools. ## What the Recreational Virtual Reality trend means for industry ### For Gaming Industry With diverse and dynamic expressions of gaming, the gaming industry is expanding demand and providing opportunities for exploration. ### For Virtual Reality Industry Virtual reality, as showcased in the 'Disunion' and 'Robot Vacuum Simulator 2013' games, has vast implications in the gaming, entertainment, hospitality, and healthcare sectors among others. ### For Educational and Training Industry Gamification tools such as 'Always Sometimes Monsters' suggest a new way of educating and training people using interactive activities that mimic real-life scenarios, opening possibilities for higher education and community outreach. ## Trend signals for Recreational Virtual Reality Trend score 2.3 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 20%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 20% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Recreational Virtual Reality trend 6 featured examples from May 14, 2013 to Feb 18, 2014. - [Purposely Lackluster Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waiting-in-line-3d): 'Waiting In Line 3D' Encourages You to Practice Your Patience (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity to explore new avenues of game design that defy conventional trends and expectations. - [Virtual Guillotine Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oculus-rift): New Videogame from Oculus Rift Will Make You Lose Your Head (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing new and innovative games that utilize virtual reality and simulation technology. - [Realist Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realistic-video-games): 'Always Sometimes Monsters' Mimics Real Life (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for game developers to create realistic and immersive gaming experiences. - [Death-Simulating Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dean-hall): DayZ by Dean Hall Leaves the Gamer Struggling with Morality (Category: Tech) Implication: Gaming industry leaders can capitalize on the trend of death-simulating games by investing in new and innovative game mechanics that simulate real-world dangers and the need for s… - [Kafkaesque Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/franz-kafka-videogame): The Franz Kafka Videogame Will Bring Kafka's Surreal World to Life (Category: Tech) Implication: Chance for game developers to explore new avenues by creating video games based on literary classics. - [Sarcastic Appliance Sim Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-vacuum-simulator-2013): The Robot Vacuum Simulator 2013 Lets You Live the Life of a Roomba (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry has the opportunity to explore the genre of sarcastic sim games and create entertaining and unique experiences for players. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - 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