PokerStars, the online gambling site, today released a social VR app that lets Oculus Rift and HTC Vive users play poker for free.
Dubbed PokerStars VR, the online multiplayer game is free and now available in Early Access on Steam, the Oculus Store, and Viveport.
Unlike its classic 2D interface, PokerStars VR doesn’t allow real world betting, as users can only play with free chips—an important stipulation for distribution on the platforms mentioned above.
Developed in collaboration with Lucky VR, PokerStars VR focuses on fun gameplay, interactivity and social engagement by allowing users to chat with other players, use voice commands, stream via Twitch, and play with props such as card protectors, flare guns, fireworks, pet ducks and donkeys, etc.
Using motion controllers, users can handle chips and cards with realistic physics, something PokerStars says works “just like at a live table.”
The game hosts a number of environments including Macau 2050, The Macau Suite, The Showdown Saloon, Monte-Carlo Yacht, and The Void.
Speaking in an Oculus blogpost, PokerStars Creative Manager Manuel Bevand says the key difference in PokerStars VR and other VR poker games is “how authentic the poker experience feels. Everything from cards and chips to props (fun objects players can toy with), behaves exactly as a poker player would expect. Poker is a very social game, and we’re working hard to make sure player interactions feel natural and comfortable. We’re going all in on props and interactive environments so there’s always something to do.”
PokerStars VR is said to let users go head-to-head against some of the top poker players in the world with ‘PokerStars Ambassadors’ at the tables. Users will also get a chance to take part in special promotions, partnerships, and events in the future.