PokerStars’ latest innovation, PokerStars VR, is now available to download and play for free in all of PokerStars’ global markets.
The much anticipated official launch of the game follows on from a closed beta test which saw more than 150 invitees play and test it using Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
The product is available to download through the Oculus and Viveport stores, as well as through Steam.
PokerStars VR was developed in collaboration with virtual reality developer Lucky VR and provides a mix of serious gameplay, interactivity and social engagement, PokerStars revealed in a statement late Thursday.
Players have the chance to become fully immersed in a variety of social poker scenes, choosing their own environment to play in such as Macau 2050, The Macau Suite, The Showdown Saloon, Monte-Carlo Yacht, and The Void.
Using intuitive controls for easy gameplay, they can also handle chips and cards, and pick up on tells, talk and interact just as they would at a live table. The game also features a host of interactive props such as voice command, and integrated Twitch broadcasting and media streaming on Oculus Rift for those who wish to play and stream.
“When we showcased the product it was amazing to see people really enjoy and become engrossed in the game,” said Severin Rasset, director of poker innovation and operations at PokerStars. “We wanted to venture into the world of virtual reality because we believe it is an exciting avenue of technology to explore and something that our players would appreciate.”
The new game simulates the live poker experience as closely as possible, bringing the same subtleties and interactions to an online environment. A lot of work has gone into recreating the atmosphere of a live poker game, including features such as chip stacking, card-peeking and the ability to try to get a genuine read on opponents, giving bluffing a whole new dimension.
Players can explore how tells work in PokerStars VR, as well as other lessons and insights, at PokerStars School and PokerStars Blog.