Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality can include entertainment (i.e. gaming) and educational purposes (i.e. medical or military training). Other, distinct types of VR style technology include augmented reality and mixed reality.

Currently standard virtual reality systems use either virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user's physical presence in a virtual environment. A person using virtual reality equipment is able to look around the artificial world, move around in it, and interact with virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by VR headsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens. Virtual reality typically incorporates auditory and video feedback, but may also allow other types of sensory and force feedback through haptic technology.

Although primitive versions of the technology date back to the 1970s, the term "virtual reality" entered the public consciousness only in the 1980s.

Virtual Reality in The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump
Virtuous reality was an invaluable tool during EPA Inspector David Fisher's investigation of the toxic magical attacks on Angels City in 1993.

Virtual Reality in "The Great White Way"
Virtual reality programming, designed at You Are There in Sherman Oaks, California, provided Trina Hutchinson and Brent Birley with a method of determining who would win: Stephen Sondheim or Andrew Lloyd Webber. Each programmer, on their off hours, created virtual armies comprising characters from each composer's musicals.