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Play any game in virtual reality using Valve's SteamVR Desktop Theater

Over the weekend Valve lifted the lid on SteamVR Desktop Theater Mode, a virtual reality app that'll give Steam users the ability to access and play their entire game library through VR.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

March 14, 2016

1 Min Read
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Over the weekend Valve lifted the lid on SteamVR Desktop Theater Mode, a virtual reality app that'll give Steam users the ability to access and play their entire game library through VR.

According to a press email, the software is currently in early beta, and will be showcased at this week's GDC conference in San Francisco. 

The Desktop Theater Mode will let users play non-VR games using headsets including the Steam VR-powered HTC Vive, and "others" - suggesting Oculus support could be on the way. 

At the moment it's unclear as to how exactly the mode will work, although, as Road to VR reports, it won't simply transform non-VR games into fully fledged virtual reality experiences.

Rather, it seems the theater will act as a bridge of sorts, allowing games to be played in a virtual environment such as a home cinema with a huge virtual display. 

To find out more about Valve's latest VR innovation and other breaking news coming out of GDC 2016, you can follow along via our live event coverage page, sponsored by Akamai.

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About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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