I think worrying about the realism of VR misses the mark. We know that we can create a thoroughly compelling virtual universe with black-and-white text on paper

I think worrying about the realism of VR misses the mark. We know that we can create a thoroughly compelling virtual universe with black-and-white text on paper. Graphics are relatively unimportant; intelligent people have spent years of their life staring at Dwarf Fortress. Before that it was Dungeons and Dragons. I'm sure I'm not alone in the opinion that the most groundbreaking gaming experience to date is not a Battlefield, Elder Scrolls or Mass Effect game, but Minecraft with a hi-res texture pack. [0] The only thing missing is the same thing that has always been missing, and the only real reason that hallucinogens or opiates don't fill this hole already: Some kind of meaningful connection to the real world. Sure, play around with your brain interfaces or augmented reality displays, but don't expect that to be your revolution-- as soon as somebody builds the most trivial Minecraft server mod that means you can create enough real-world value to feed and house yourself just by playing the game, that will become the sole activity of several hundred million people at least. Although I expect they'll find what superstars and drug addicts alike have long since realized: in the long run, having all of your dreams fulfilled, just like regular life, evens out to about "Meh." [0] Which will blow your mind, if you haven't seen it. ex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raR9kd0fGuY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raR9kd0fGuY