The possibilities of virtual reality are endless. It can undeniably make gaming a much more immersive experience - this Horizon Zero Dawn VR mod is just one incredible example. Beyond that though, it can also prove to be revolutionary when it comes to accessibility.
In recent years, discussions surrounding accessibility in the gaming space have become more commonplace with developers striving to include more adjustable in-game options to cater to a wider audience. However, Reddit user SparkMyke posted a video (reposted to r/virtualreality by u/RememberMementoMori) from one man who has revealed that it’s actually a VR headset gifted to him by developer Valve that helped wholeheartedly transform his life.
Take a look at this compilation of epic virtual reality moments below.
SparkMyke posted the VR clip in which a man recounts how much his life has changed in the two years since he accepted the headset. Through using the Valve Index headset for six to eight hours a day, the man - who has autism - has found a new community to connect with in a world that now “fits [him]”.
“I’m 51 years old so I’m probably one of the oldest people you can talk to here. I’ve been around for a while,” he began. “I can’t leave my house very well. My brain doesn’t fit with the world out there but in here [virtual reality] I can meet people and it’s just so cool.”
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“Valve actually gave me this,” he continued. “I’ve got pretty screwed up autism and virtual reality allows me to be in here … I’ve been working with Valve for about two years and provide long term feedback because I usually use VR for about six to eight hours a day.”
Explaining how the VR set transformed his life, the man went on to say, “I can take my headset off and I’m back in the real world. Now, the real world is part of my safe space but in VR I can be anywhere, I can be anyone, I can connect with people all over the world and when you’re autistic, when you’ve got social problems, and you can’t connect with people easily, the real world doesn’t fit you and this world fits me.”
Technology certainly has its downfalls, but there’s no denying that moments like this well and truly make up for it.