Virtual reality (VR) games have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their immersive and interactive nature. However, as with any technology, the cost of virtual reality equipment and software can be a barrier for many people, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. In this article, we will explore what it costs to set up a VR game in Nigeria and discuss some factors that influence the price of VR games in the country.
Cost of Equipment
The first thing that most people consider when setting up a virtual reality game is the cost of equipment. The two main components of a VR setup are the headset and the computer or console used to power it.
Oculus Quest 2, which is one of the most popular VR headsets on the market, costs around $299 in the United States. However, in Nigeria, the price of the Quest 2 can vary depending on the retailer and importation cost. On average, the Quest 2 can cost between NGN 70,000 to NGN 100,000 ($160-$220) in Nigeria.
Another popular VR headset is the HTC Vive, which costs around $599 in the US. In Nigeria, the price of the Vive can also vary depending on importation cost and retailer. On average, the Vive can cost between NGN 180,000 to NGN 250,000 ($430-$600) in Nigeria.
A powerful computer or console is also required to run VR games. The minimum specifications for a VR game are usually an Intel Core i5-7500U or AMD Ryzen 5 3500X processor, 8GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 6GB of memory. A good computer with these specifications can cost between NGN 150,000 to NGN 200,000 ($340-$500) in Nigeria.
Cost of Software
In addition to the equipment, virtual reality games also require software. The most popular VR game engines are Unity and Unreal Engine. Both engines have a free version and a paid version, which offers more advanced features and support.
The cost of Unity’s Pro version ranges from $199 per month to $499 per month, depending on the number of users and features required. In Nigeria, the price of Unity’s Pro version can vary depending on importation cost and retailer. On average, it can cost between NGN 150,000 to NGN 250,000 ($340-$600) per month.
Unreal Engine also has a paid version called Unreal Engine Epic Games Launcher, which costs $199 per month. In Nigeria, the price of Unreal Engine’s paid version can also vary depending on importation cost and retailer. On average, it can cost between NGN 150,000 to NGN 250,000 ($340-$600) per month.
Other Factors That Influence the Cost of VR Games in Nigeria
Apart from the equipment and software costs, there are several other factors that can influence the cost of virtual reality games in Nigeria. These include importation cost, exchange rate fluctuations, and availability of local manufacturers.
Importation cost is a significant factor that affects the price of VR equipment and software in Nigeria. The cost of importing equipment from other countries can vary depending on the type of product, exchange rates, and shipping costs. This means that the cost of VR equipment and software in Nigeria can be higher than in other countries due to importation costs.
Exchange rate fluctuations can also affect the price of VR equipment and software in Nigeria. The country’s currency, the Nigerian Naira, is notoriously unstable due to inflation, political instability, and external economic factors. This means that prices can fluctuate rapidly, making it challenging to plan for long-term expenses.
Finally, the availability of local manufacturers can also influence the cost of VR equipment and software in Nigeria. Some local manufacturers may produce lower-cost versions of VR equipment and software that are specifically designed for the Nigerian market. However, these products may not be as advanced or feature-rich as their international counterparts.
Summary
Virtual reality games are becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria and around the world. However, the cost of setting up a VR game can be a significant barrier for many people, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. In this article, we have explored what it costs to set up a VR game in Nigeria and discussed some factors that influence the price of VR games in the country.