sony-richard-marks-playstation-vrSony is no stranger to virtual reality, having a long history of exploring the technology throughout the years. Sony’s ‘Magic Lab’ Director, Richard Marks, tells me about the company’s history with VR and the development of PlayStation VR.

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Marks helped to create the PlayStation Move, which is a motion input controller that enabled VR enthusiasts within Sony a way to experiment with motion controllers inside of a VR experience. Richard’s division was in charge of the capabilities of high-end tracking technology and then creating prototypes for game developers to explore the game design possibilities.

See Also: NASA Looks to PlayStation VR to Solve Key Challenge of Space Robot Operation

I caught up with him at the VRX conference where he shared more information on PlayStation VR’s 120 fps framerate, how the PlayStation VR tracks the headset and Move controllers, and what he sees as the vast potential of social gaming.

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Kent Bye
  • Kevin Williams

    I think Richard is being a little closed-mouthed about the real early history of Sony in VR and head mounted displays – I understand he joined in 1999 the UK research group, and information may not have been shared, but the company had seen amazing work from the Glasstron and later HMZ teams (I know much of this was only 3D viewers, but all were used by VR developers, even to this day!)

    I have been toying with a historical feature for RTVR on the early to current Sony HMD development – sadly many of the early pioneers in the company never received the respect they deserved, especially after the 3D purge of the HMZ JP team, just before the 2011/12 re-consideration regarding a VR stance by SCE management (stung into action by Oculus Kickstarter success)!

    • mellott124

      I agree. The PLM-S700 Glasstron was before its time complete with variable transmission visor which could block out entire see-through, only displays, or no tint. I was very impressed even by todays standards. There were many design aspects that carried forward to the HMZ line.

      Also, the HMZ line was impressive in its own right. Sub $1k consumer HMD with 720p OLEDs. It was unheard of until that point.

      Sony has been doing this a long long time. As well as many others.

      • Kevin Williams

        Agree, have you noticed not one photo of HMZ in any post PM SCE coverage (all for one weird modified unit from 2011)!

  • Simon Wood

    Thanks for an interesting interview.