The world of virtual reality gaming, or VR for short, has boomed in recent years. There are so many different types of games you can play with a VR headset, and the technology is becoming more advanced and able to simulate real-life scenarios.
One thing that doesn’t exist yet is a virtual casino, where players can log on and use real money to play the games you’d typically find in Las Vegas.
Brendan Kraft is a freshman at the U pursuing a degree in game design. Kraft’s latest idea is to develop a game called Alto Lusso Casino for VR headsets that allows players to simulate the feeling of gambling in a real-life casino.
“I think VR is the future,” Kraft said. “I think it’s gonna be way better if there is a VR casino, you’ll be able to have that social aspect that you do in an actual casino.”
The idea is to be able to meet people from all over the world and enjoy a game with them. There are other similar products out there, but according to Kraft, they are all missing some essential aspects of what will make his idea successful.
“Currently the only things that are like this are either with no real money or they’re not truly VR, as in, it’d basically just be a headset and keyboard,” said Kraft. “What we’re trying to do is make it fully VR where your hands will actually be usable, you’ll be able to click stuff and grab stuff, and you’ll be able to bet with real money.”
Kraft is producing the game with the help of Lassonde Founders, a four-year program provided by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah for student entrepreneurs who want to grow a company. The students live on campus at Lassonde Studios as part of the program.
“It’s been really helpful to ask questions of people who are in other businesses so that you can get advice,” Kraft said.
Kraft believes that there can be a huge market for this type of game. He is taking the concept of VR gambling games that don’t use real money, along with virtual casinos that don’t use VR, both hugely successful on their own, and combining it into a singular experience.
Alto Lusso Casino has plans to feature all the games you’d find at a typical casino, such as poker, blackjack, Texas Hold ’em, craps, and slot machines.
Kraft hopes that this project can take off and make its way into the market. With the popularity of gambling and betting taking off in recent years, combined with the momentum of VR gaming and technological developments, there’s a good chance that Alto Lusso Casino could become a popular online destination.
Wow! We are impressed Brendan. We enjoyed the article too.