VR Headsets Achieve Mainstream Status in UK

Virtual reality (VR) technology has officially transitioned from a specialised training tool to a mainstream consumer product in the UK, according to the latest inflation basket update from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

VR headsets were one of 23 items that were added this year to the ONS basket, which, after 15 items were removed, has a total of 752 products or services. 

"Our inflation basket of goods shows how consumer spending has evolved over the years," said Stephen Burgess, from the ONS.:

"The addition of virtual reality headsets for the first time shows our appetite for emerging technology."

The UK's VR market is projected to surge from £347 million in 2023 to £520 million by 2029, reflecting the technology's growing consumer appeal. 

While simulation and training professionals have long recognised VR's value in aviation, defense, and medical training environments, this expanded market reach presents both opportunities and challenges for training-focused VR developers.