From Adrian Ellis
Jacob Aron’s article on the new generation of virtual reality (VR) equipment focuses on its use in films or games (7 March, p 20). As the article notes, this can cause problems: in the case of games, the viewer can’t see his or her controller, and in the case of films, he or she doesn’t know what to focus on and the film equipment is hard to hide.
Why not instead use VR for live performances such as rock gigs, theatre showings, opera, sports games and so forth? In all those cases, the focus of attention is one particular area, and the presence of technicians and film equipment is a natural element. Additionally, in a performance attended by people through VR, the venue can be anywhere and the audience is almost limitless.
With microphones and headphones, the audience can cheer and applaud and hear those around them in the virtual venue cheering too, creating a very real atmosphere. It could transform live entertainment.
Hampton, Middlesex, UK
