The landscape of gaming and sports training is undergoing a transformative shift with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) technologies. Incisiv, a Belfast-based technology company, has launched Dodgecraft, a new game designed to enhance players' motor skills essential for sports such as rugby, football, and dodgeball. This innovative approach stems from a decade-long exploration of VR applications in sports training, initially inspired by work conducted with Ulster Rugby.
Despite the excitement surrounding VR, the technology faces challenges. Some organizations have abandoned their VR projects, raising concerns about the long-term viability of this emerging field. Yet, the UK video games industry, employing approximately 76,000 individuals and generating an estimated £6 billion annually, continues to support advancements in gaming technologies.
Dodgecraft is aimed at individuals who enjoy both sports and gaming. According to James Stafford of Incisiv, "We like to build applications that people enjoy to play, but also having that hidden agenda behind them of making you sharper, higher agility and getting fitter at the same time." This dual purpose of enjoyment and fitness is a hallmark of the current generation of VR applications.
The game replicates movements and reflexes relevant to various sports, allowing players to train their general motor skills. As Stafford explains, "So whether you're a Sunday afternoon athlete or somebody who really wants to hit that top level we're about trying to improve those general motor skills that you have and that are fundamental to any sports you play." This focus on skill enhancement is crucial for athletes looking to improve their performance in competition.
Despite some VR headsets costing thousands of pounds, more affordable options exist, with popular models priced under £500. The recent release of the PlayStation VR2 has reignited interest in VR gaming. The success of earlier motion-controlled systems, such as the Nintendo Wii, which sold over 100 million units, demonstrates the appetite for physical engagement in gaming. Stafford notes, "We had a flavour of it when we had the Nintendo Wii back in the late 2000s," indicating a resurgence of interest in interactive gaming experiences.
Prof. Cathy Craig from Ulster University emphasizes that VR can revolutionize sports training by using movement as the primary controller. "You use movement as the game controller and not a joystick or buttons," she explains. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of sports training, where evasion and agility are critical. "That evasion skill is very, very important but it's very hard to train unless you've somebody running at you," she adds.
The immersive nature of VR can also be physically demanding. Users may find themselves out of breath after just a few minutes of gameplay, underscoring the fitness potential inherent in these technologies. Craig described Dodgecraft as "like a play simulator that allows you to train those important sporting skills."
As the popularity of esports grows, with preparations for the first Esports Olympics slated for 2025 already underway, VR's role in training for competitive events is becoming increasingly significant. Incisiv is exploring future enhancements for Dodgecraft, including foot controllers that will expand gameplay possibilities. "We're looking forward to having feet controllers as well, because if you think about it that'll open up a lot more possibilities in terms of what you can and can't do," states Stafford.
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