Valve has reportedly launched a new experimental mode for Steam that can integrate Oculus Rift's Virtual Reality headset, the gaming technology that's been changing the way developers look at the future of console gaming ever since its debut at the 2013 E3 and subsequent update at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
According to IGN, the company's Joe Pudwig explained on the Steam Forums hot to activate the mode, which will allow many users to see the client projected ahead of you as if it is floating on a giant screen.
"As of the most recent Steam Client Beta steam now supports an experimental VR mode," he writes. "If you own an Oculus Rift dev kit you can try it out by starting Steam with "-vr" on the command line. Then press the Big Picture button to enter Big Picture + VR mode."
IGN notes that the timing of the announcement is strange in that the VR beta has been announced one day before Valve's Steam Dev Days kick off. At this showcase, the company is expected to unveil its own range of VR headsets. Having said that, there have been a few promising rivals to the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. Sony was expected to come out with a similar device that many believed would work with the company's next-gen gaming console the PlayStation 4. However, if what the technology maker unveiled at CES 2014 is any indication, their device will be more of a TV viewing gadget rather than a gaming device.
Meanwhile the Rift came out with a 1080p prototype called "Crystal Cove," which incorporates a camera to allow the system to gage where the headset is in relation to your gaming avatar. In other words, if you wanted to peak your head around an in-game corner, you would only need to lean your head in that direction.
Tell us what you think about Valve's VR headset integration? What Valve game would you like to experience in a virtual reality plane? Comment and share your thoughts with us below.
