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Traveling to virtual worlds

December 6, 2016

The possibilities offered by virtual reality seem limitless. Elaborately produced 360-degree imagery provides users with a far more immediate experience, whether for gaming or exploring far-off places.

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DW Shift Eintauchen in virtuelle Welten 2
Image: Thomson Reuters

Developers the world over are looking into the potential of virtual reality. Its range of possible applications seems limitless, from computer games to tourism aids to art projects. Virtual reality could even be used as a tool on social projects. The "creative agency" A4VR in Düsseldorf, for example, has produced a VR campaign for the SOS Children's Villages organization. With a head-mounted display showing 360-degree videos, users can delve into the visual reality of life in a Kenyan slum. Getting so close up and personal can be a very moving experience and perhaps motivate the viewers to donate more generously.