Pokerstars VR is a virtual reality poker game where the player can sit at the table smoking virtual cigars, throwing rubbers ducks around and, perhaps on a more strategically important note; observing the opponents’ behaviours. Since our opponent will appear as floating VR goggle wearing head with hands, which he or she will use to grab for chips and peak at hole cards, the type of information we are accustomed to using in a live game is mostly present. The only things missing are the real droplets of sweat we might see from the nervous bluffer in the brick and mortar card room.
PokerStars, the world’s leading poker brand, has combined live and online poker in a truly immersive VR experience. Study your opponents, pick up on their tells, and chat in real time Handle your chips and cards, just as you would at a real-world poker table Keep the table fun with interactive props and toys, summoned in an instant. PokerStars VR is a new Virtual Reality game that's free to play. It's set to be launched later this year. What is PokerStars VR? The first thing to note is that it's free to play.
There are two main types of tell that we may use in Pokerstars VR: online tells and live tells. Let’s explore how this blend of online and live poker affects the most important tells.
Online Tells
1. The Fast Check (And Other Timing Tells)
The fast check has historically been a sign of weakness. Someone who checks without pondering whether they should bet might just be procedurally checking to the raiser, but in other spots where this is not the case, the timing exhibits a lack of required decision-making. If there is nothing to decide upon, there is generally very little equity to protect, value to be got, or interest in the pot. We have attacked players who check quickly, stealing pots from them for over a decade of online poker. Interestingly, in the realm of Pokerstars VR, the instant check might be more camouflaged. The virtual reality world creates a feeling of being watched. This makes us paranoid and careful not to give too much away. We might find players slow their timing down to remain more consistent in light of feeling more self-conscious about what they give away. Could the classic online timing tells actually become less reliable in this game where opponents are naturally more on their guard?
2. Betting Patterns
The heart and soul of developing reads in online poker. Villain bets small with the nuts and larger with bluffs – what a gold mine. Pokerstars VR should have very little affect on betting patterns and these tells should continue to be reliable and accessible, but also pay attention to how your opponent makes his bets. More on this now.
This week PokerStars announces its plans for a new era of virtual poker...
It's called PokerStars VR, and it's a new immersive poker game that's free to play.
The official launch will be later this year, but today we can unveil what's in store. We think you're going to like it.
PokerStars VR is a new Virtual Reality game that's free to play. It's set to be launched later this year.
What is PokerStars VR?
The first thing to note is that it's free to play. It's also authentic (that means it looks great). It's immersive, and it's social.
Once you put on the headset, you enter a visually stunning game environment.
Nothing is real, and yet you can still handle chips and cards just as in the real world.
And while opponents might be playing from the other side of the world, but you can study them for any tells they might have, and even chat in real time.
What you can expect from this virtual world
It's the type of game you can immerse yourself in. Almost literally.
We don't just mean in the exotic virtual reality settings (think Macau 2050 or a Monte Carlo yacht) but with statistics.
All the numbers, as well as observations about other players, are all available to you, because it's still all about the poker.
And as you might expect in this level of virtual world, it's not all about behaving yourself.
So yes, you can throw food at people, smoke a cigar, or even own a pet donkey if that's your thing.
Pokerstars Vr Not Working
Or you could be more civilised and share food, order drinks, even stream shows or sport.
When can you start playing?
Right now, the multiplayer no-limit hold'em game is in a 'closed beta'.
As you'd expect, a game like this needs intensive testing, which is why we recruited 100 hand-picked volunteers to put it through every scenario.
As we speak they're plugged in on platforms like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Steam.
What with the headsets, we can't see the look in their eyes. But the smiles on their faces tells us what we need to know.
Once their work is done the commercial launch will follow before the end of this year.
It does everything you expect, and then a bit more
The new game, developed with Lucky VR, and was previewed at EuroGamer in Birmingham this week.
It's the biggest event of its kind in the UK, and was an opportunity for people to see some of the game's features.
Things like:
Intuitive controls to ensure the new technology is easy to use.
Voice command controls so you can play hands free.
Integrated Twitch broadcasting, as well as video streaming and social media integration on Oculus Rift. That's for anyone who wants to play and stream.
'PokerStars VR is a chance for us to take this amazing technology and bring something totally unique to poker players,' said Severin Rasset, Director of Poker Innovation and Operations at PokerStars.
'Poker is about interaction. It's been bringing people together for well over a century. We're really excited to invest in the next generation of the game and to give players the opportunity to meet in a brand new virtual reality dimension.'
It'll be a new era for poker, and one that's almost impossible not to be a little curious about.
Pokerstars Vr Tutorial
Pokerstars Vr Real Money
So, check back on the PokerStars Blog, and follow us on Twitter, for details of the PokerStars VR launch later this year.