The emergence and proliferation of Virtual Reality (VR) technology has revolutionised immersive experiences, offering users the opportunity to create and explore virtual worlds with an unparalleled sense of scale and immersion.

The medium has exploded over the last decade, paving the way to innovative new ways to play, learn, socialise and explore things that had previously been confined to the realms of imagination, or simply inaccesible to the average person. However, not all VR experiences are created equal. Understanding the differences between 360, 3DOF, and 6DOF VR can help users choose the right experience for their needs and preferences.

180/360-Degree VR:

180 or 360-degree VR, also known as monoscopic VR, provides users with a fixed-point panoramic view of a virtual environment. In 360-degree experiences, users can look around in all directions but cannot move within the virtual space or interact with objects. These experiences are typically viewed through VR headsets or on flat screens and are often used for immersive storytelling, virtual tours, and 360-degree videos. Examples of this include The David Attenborough Immersive Anthology,

3DOF VR: 3 Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) VR refers to experiences that allow users to move their head in three dimensions: left and right, up and down, and forward and backward. However, users cannot move within the virtual environment or track their movements in space. 3DOF experiences are commonly found in entry-level VR devices such as mobile VR headsets or standalone VR headsets with limited tracking capabilities. While 3DOF VR can provide immersive experiences, it lacks the freedom of movement and interaction offered by higher-end VR systems.

6DOF VR: 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) VR offers the most immersive and interactive experiences by allowing users to move freely within the virtual environment and track their movements in all six degrees of freedom: forward and backward, up and down, left and right, as well as rotation along three axes.

This level of freedom enables users to walk around, reach out, and interact with objects in the virtual space, resulting in a more immersive and realistic experience. 6DOF VR is commonly found in premium VR systems such as PC-based VR headsets with external sensors or inside-out tracking systems that use built-in sensors to track movement. All of the VR experiences found on The Island at OTHERWORLD have been made with 6DOF VR, and augmented with our inimitable 4D and tactile audio technology, allowing for the highest possible levels of immersion.

Simple, right?

The differences between 360, 3DOF, and 6DOF VR can easily be explained as the level of immersion, freedom of movement, and interactivity they offer. While 360-degree VR can provide incredible panoramic views, allowing you to see true to life detail without any editing, and 3DOF VR allows limited head movement for no fuss, simpler immersion, 6DOF VR offers the most interactive experiences with full freedom of movement and interaction. Understanding these differences can help users choose the VR experience that best suits their needs and preferences, whether they're exploring digital worlds, enjoying immersive storytelling, taking virtual tours or engaging in interactive experiences.

Want to give VR a go?

Book in now to experience it for yourself, or head to our Island Page to see the full list of VR games available!