Korea is considered to be a powerhouse in the global IT industry. Internet speed and smartphone penetration rate are the best in the world. In Korea, there is a Virtual Reality game that has enjoyed continuous popularity. Also, Augmented Reality, which arrived in Korea earlier this year, has been gaining in popularity, e.g., Pokémon Go. Games using virtual reality and augmented reality allow users to vividly experience what can only be played indirectly in other games. In addition, these technologies can help our decision-making as playing the games is not only enjoyable but also educational because they can be simulated practical applications useful in our lives.

Virtual Reality (VR)

  Virtual reality simulates certain environments or situations using computer technology. The technology creates an interface between a computer and a human being that makes it seem like the user is interacting with the actual surroundings. That is, we enter a situation that is not our reality but one that is a simulation of what we actually want to do. Virtual reality technology is often used to vividly feel experiences and their outcomes, and this is something that results in better decision-making. When experiencing what happens in a virtual environment, the most important factor is visual factors. By using auditory or tactile stimuli, we can learn to be more flexible in various situations. Most of us have experienced the virtual reality of playing games for the first time. There are many virtual reality games or experiences that we can experience more easily than we think around us. First, there is wii, which was launched in Korea by the Nintendo Corporation in 2008. Wii is Nintendo's experience game console that uses a controller. Moving your arm or your body makes images move on the virtual reality screen. You can try kayaking, play table tennis, and play baseball in virtual reality. When the player uses the controller and makes a motion, the player on the screen makes the same motion. You can play games that seem real by choosing various settings of the game. You can set up playing the game with your family and friend. This is a typical example of a virtual reality game that people can easily experience at home. Second, there is the VR experience center where people can play VR games. You can experience it in various places such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and Yeongdeungpo. If you wear a VR device, you can enjoy the VR experience yourself. It can give you the illusion that you are there. You can ride on a roller coaster in virtual reality. You can feel the anxiety people experience when riding on a roller coaster. Also, you can enjoy gun-shooting and archery games, and you can feel the experience directly. Because our technology is so advanced, we can set up a specific virtual reality and experience what we want to experience.

Augmented reality (AR)

  Augmented reality refers to a technology that overlaps a 3D virtual image on a realistic image or background and displays it as a single image. Many people are confused about the difference between virtual reality, which allows users to experience a fictional world separate from reality, and augmented reality, which adds a virtual image to reality. In other words, if the subject of virtual reality is an illusion of the user, the subject of augmented reality is a real version of the user. To apply this augmented reality technology, you need to transmit and receive geographical information using GPS information from smartphones, provide the direction of smartphones using an electronic compass, and provide the inclination degree of smartphones using gravity sensor technology. Of course, devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs are required to display images on their screens.
 

 At present, augmented reality technology is applied in various ways. A heads-up display (HUD) applied to the cockpit of a combat plane is an example of a typical augmented reality. In addition, if you are interested in getting more information about books, wine, etc., you can get it using the application on your smartphone to read the cover of a book, the label of a bottle of wine and so on with the camera.

  Then, what kinds of augmented reality games are available? Augmented reality games can be installed on each smartphone. The most representative game is Pokémon Go. The purpose of the game is to catch a Pokémon by using a pocket ball from an actual place. You can nurture your Pokémon by hatching and raising it from an egg. Pokémon is a character that was a childhood companion of many people in their twenties today. Now, we can go outdoors and catch a Pokémon, which was only seen in cartoons before, and this brought about Pokémon fever. In addition, some department stores are promoting events through games using augmented reality to encourage consumers' interest.
 

 As technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality develops, it is very interesting to enjoy hobbies that adopt the technology. However, the problem is that many accidents have been caused by these games. Some people are so fascinated by the games that they can not concentrate on driving, and end up killing people.

  Virtual reality and augmented reality cannot be a substitute for reality. However, virtual and augmented reality are technologies that helps people understand and enjoy reality and adapt to reality. How about using and enjoying these new technologies?

 Management Editor / KIM YEHEE 

 68th Cub Reporter / CHOI SOOJIN