Varjo’s New VR Headset; Unity’s Path From Multiplayer to Metaverse

VR hardware maker Varjo is jumping into the consumer market, unveiling the new Aero headset earlier today. With a price tag of $1,990, the Aero reflects Varjo’s position at the high end of the market. To Varjo’s credit, though, it knows exactly what kind of buyer it’s pitching to: fans of simulator games.

One simulator in particular is having a moment, and it could become a significant driver of VR adoption: last year’s installment of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator franchise. It picked up over 2 million players on PC in a matter of months after its release. VR support was added in a free update just after its launch, adding to its appeal. One analyst firm projects that the newest Flight Simulator alone will spur $2.6 billion in hardware sales, including VR gear, over the next few years. One beneficiary could be Varjo, which has previously catered only to businesses, but which now sees a way into consumer VR—albeit a customer bracket with deep pockets.