Good day everyone!
My name is Cas, and I haven't looked much into WebVR because I didn't know that there
are so many WebVR games & experiences now, and I am positively surprised by some of these
experiences.
So I wanted to share this with you in this quick video.
I will explain what WebVR or WebXR is.
Why there is really no reason to not use it, and how to get started for every VR headset.
If you already know what WebVR is, then stay tuned, because we'll also list some of our
favorite WebVR experiences that are free.
This is an episode in our DIVE INTO VR series.
If you like to see more videos like this one, please subscribe if you haven't yet.
And check out this playlist right here.
And now, join me beyond reality.
So for those that don't know what WebVR is.
Let me give you a quick introduction.
WebVR is a way to experience VR in your internet browser.
The goal is to make it easier for everyone to get into VR experiences, no matter what
device you have.
It was announced in 2016, but not long after, the Google Chrome team has announced that
they are reworking WebVR into WebXR, where XR stands for Extended Reality, and you can
use WebXR not only for Virtual Reality but also Augmented Reality.
The biggest advantage of using this is no more fragmentation in the industry.
I mean, haven't you found it annoying when a VR game only works on one certain headset
and not on all other headsets.
WebXR should solve this problem.
Imagine a future where you open a web page, you're looking to concentrate, so you put
on your VR headset, and the web page seamlessly transforms into a VR experience that you can
actually walk through.
But after a while, you also need to head to work, luckily your VR headset can also do
AR, so you turn on AR, and you walk outside with the headset still on, you sit on a train
and now browse the web page that is now blended with real life, so you can still pay attention
to your surroundings.
Okay, maybe I'm getting a little creative and ahead of myself but I really do see a
future like this.
For the developers amongst us, WebXR is an open-source JavaScript API for creating VR
and AR experiences in your browser.
If you are a developer, WebXR is, in my opinion, an accessible way to get started with VR development.
For those that are interested in doing that, I'll link the API down below.
Let's go back to WebVR.
It should work with every VR headset that can open a compatible internet browser; for
example, you can try WebVR if you have an HTC VIVE, Oculus Quest and Go, the Rift, Valve
Index, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
The reason that you should try it out is that it is very easy to get started.
There are many free ones, and you don't need to download or install the game to play it.
You only need three things to get started.
A VR headset, a compatible browser, internet browser…
So, of course, you do need an internet connection for this.
Then lastly, you need the link to a game or experience.
If you have an Oculus Quest or Oculus Go, for example, you can use the built-in Oculus
Browser.
Just start the browser, navigate to a game by entering its link.
Here I’m showing Moonrider.
Most WebVR games & experiences will likely show you a 2D version of the game first.
But most games will also have a button that allows you to 'Enter VR.'
Moonrider's button is at the bottom right.
If you click on that while in your headset, you will be transferred to a VR environment,
and you can start playing immediately.
Before we move on, while you are watching this video, don't forget to leave a like if
you found it interesting so far.
If you own a PC VR headset like Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE, or the Valve Index, then you can
use the internet browser Mozilla Firefox or Supermedium on your PC.
Supermedium is a browser made for VR, and you can download it straight from the Steam
store or the Oculus store.
They are both free apps, I'll link everything in the description below.
The easiest to use is probably Supermedium, as you launch the browser inside VR and pick
the game from there.
If you use Firefox, you have to install Firefox first on Windows, if you haven't yet.
Then make sure your headset is connected to your PC and open Firefox.
Now just navigate to a WebVR website, then find the button to go into VR.
This can look different per experience, but it's usually at the bottom right.
If you click on it, the VR experience should start in your headset, and you can put on
your headset to start playing straight away.
Windows Mixed Reality headsets can use Microsoft Edge, which is the standard internet browser
on Windows 10.
If you have a different headset, you can go to the website webvr.info, and if you scroll
down here, it will show what browser is compatible per headset.
This might be a little outdated though since WebVR is turning into WebXR.
A little tip, when you find games you like, I recommend bookmarking the link for easy
access later.
So now you might want to know where you can find some games.
Let's start with three free WebVR games that you should try out first.
And at the end of this video, I'll let you know where you can find more Web-based VR
games.
Now on number 1.
Moonrider
Moonrider is a Beat Saber-like rhythm game, where you get two big fists, and using them
you punch the blocks flying toward you in any way you want, but of course on the beat
of the music.
And because Moonrider is an open-source game, there are so many, many songs available.
Very popular songs as well, like Happy from Pharell Williams.
Moonrider is a must-try.
On number 2.
A-Painter
A-Painter is like a lite & free version of Google's Tiltbrush.
Here, you can paint in 3D to your heart's content and then save it and share it with
the world if you want.
I always feel very chill inside these kinds of creative VR apps.
My recommendation is to turn on some music that you like while painting.
On number 3.
Spider-Man VR Experience
This is another free experience where you can swing around the city like Spider-Man.
Use the triggers to shoot webs and swing around the city while collecting crystals.
Currently, I only got this experience working on the Oculus Quest though.
On Oculus Rift, the controller positions are off at the moment.
Okay, so the links to all these games are in the description.
I think the biggest challenge right now with WebVR games is that it might not be that easy
to find the games.
Thankfully there are a couple of lists that you can check out.
Like this list by SideQuest.
They've assembled a list of various WebVR games and experiences that they like.
The VR browser Supermedium also lists a lot of experiences so I recommend downloading
that for sure as well.
There's a couple on Itch.io and a couple on the Mozilla Firefox website too.
If you want to find more, I think a simple Google search would give you some more results,
and of course, we will keep you updated on this channel if we find any more good ones.
Please do let me know if there are WebVR games or experiences that we should definitely try
out.
Link them in the comments below.
And I hope you enjoyed this video, I will see you in the next one.
A special thanks goes to our Right-Hand Patrons.
- Artarmin for his huge support!
And checkout his Board Games VR on Steam - As well to BaxornVR and his awesome VR YouTube
channel!
As always, VR on!
[Bloopers]