Rumors sparked that "Grand Theft Auto 5" might feature the new VR headset, referred to as "HoloLens".
During the Windows 10 event on January 21, Microsoft featured the HoloLens for the first time. It is a headset the creates an enhanced reality experience. Wearing the device, users can find virtual screens in their normal environment and pictographs floating over various items in the room. At one point during the presentation, a concept footage of the game "Minecraft" was shown where players get to view the virtual environment as if it were real.
The talks about merging the HoloLens with "Grand Theft Auto 5" started after Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive was invited to the Microsoft headquarters in November 2014 to test the device. Take-Two Interactive is popular for being the publisher of "Grand Theft Auto", the Rockstar Games franchise. It was not confirmed whether Zelnick was demonstrated the RoomAlive or another secret VR project by Microsoft but he liked what he saw.
Zelnick told Bloomberg TV, "The demo that I had was at Microsoft's headquarters in a room given over to this [technology], and you had an immersive headset on, and there are characters that appear to be real, and you're interacting with the characters and they're not real, and it's pretty extraordinary."
However, Zelnick said that he still has doubts on how HoloLens might appeal to gamers. He said in an IGN report, "Part of it is we need to see how the headsets roll out and how we can best deliver an experience. We are concerned that you'll play our games for a long period of time. We don't want people getting nauseated."
He added, "And also, having had the experience, I'm not sure how long you want an immersive headset on your head. We'll find out."
Zelnick said that because Take-Two has a general goal of being in-tune with the latest developments and technologies in the industry, the company will be the first to offer the device to consumers if there is adequate interest shown. He said, "We see no reason to innovate in terms of business models. No one else can make our intellectual property - only we can. I'm happy to have other people spend loads of dough on R&D."
The Verge reported that Microsoft has been aiming for Xbox One to feature virtual reality technology since 2010. The company has been experimenting with virtual reality for years. If Microsoft is able to tackle all the potential issues and provide users with a satisfying experience, then "GTA 5" fans may expect to play the open-world game like never before.