Is Your Room Big Enough for PlayStation VR?

One of the big difference between the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift is that the former is built for room-scale virtual reality, while the latter is playable at your desk. It was assumed that the PlayStation VR headset would likely lean towards the Oculus Rift implementation, but that might not be the case. In an advertising pamphlet posted online, Sony's PlayStation VR is also looking for a decent-sized room.

The pamphlet shows that the PlayStation Camera needs to be sufficiently far away from the PlayStation VR headset to capture movements. It also shows a recommended play area of 6.2 feet by 9.8 feet, which is backed up by a similar image on the official PlayStation Asia website.

"Limit your use of PS VR to within the Play Area," reads the FAQ. "Clear an area larger than the Play Area of all obstacles before using PS VR and remain seated whenever possible. If the application requires you to stand while wearing the VR headset, follow the application instructions carefully, and maintain awareness of your surroundings."

Users have to make sure the PlayStation Camera is high enough to capture the entire Play Area. The higher the camera, the higher your total Play Area is. The FAQ goes on to detail Social Screen mode, showing friends and family what you're seeing on the television, and Cinematic Mode, letting users view 2D content on a virtual screen.

Hopefully these are just recommendations, as many users have severely compromised play spaces. Some game in smaller rooms, while others play at a desk, similar to a computer. If there are hard guidelines, it sounds like people will have to get creative or simply not jump into the PlayStation VR phenomenon.

PlayStation VR will be launching for PlayStation 4 on October 13, 2016.