PokerStars trials first VR poker product

Customers with virtual reality headsets can play No Limit Hold’em in Monte Carlo and Macau in free-to-play beta

21/09/2018

PokerStars has beta-launched a VR version of its online poker product for the very first time, with a full launch expected later this year.

PokerStars’ VR offering will be free-to-play (FTP) and is currently available in closed-beta to 100 invitees on the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Steam platforms.

The No-Limit Hold’em game is described as an “authentic and immersive social poker game” which gives players the chance to play in “visually stunning environments”, including on the deck of a yacht in the Monte Carlo harbour or a sky garden overlooking the city of Macau.

The VR platform lets users customise their own in-game avatars, handle cards and chips and even tune in to live poker and sporting events on Twitch at the same time.

“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 and it’s been bringing people together for well over a century,” he added.

“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.”