PokerStars VR is a free-to-play poker game developed in partnership with Lucky VR, a developer that has previously worked on projects for Kindred Group’s Kindred Futures arm and Alea’s SlotsMillion.
The game features immersive environments in which players can handle cards and chips, study opponents’ reactions and chat to other players in real time. Players can customise their VR avatars by dressing them and purchasing a range of virtual items from cigars and sushi to a pet donkey. It also features a range of different worlds in which users can compete, such as a futuristic version of Macau and a yacht moored in Monte Carlo.
The game is currently being tested using Facebook’s Oculus Rift VR hardware, as well as the HTC Vive and Steam. It features intuitive controls and voice command, with players also able to link to their social media channels via the Oculus system.
The product has been rolled out to around 100 players for testing in closed beta, with a final decision yet to be made on a commercial release.
"PokerStars VR is a chance for us to take this amazing technology and bring something totally unique to poker players," PokerStars director of poker innovation and operations Severin Rasset explained.
"Poker is about interaction. It's been bringing people together for well over a century. We're really excited to invest in the next generation of the game and to give players the opportunity to meet in a brand new virtual reality dimension."
Source: GMB
