Half of Western consumers have no interest in buying VR products yet and another 8 percent are not aware of it at all, according to recently released research from Newzoo. Close to a third of those sampled (32 percent) have not decided yet. In the U.S., 12 percent of respondents reported they are planning to buy VR products in the next six months.
Newzoo’s latest round of consumer research includes data from 16 countries in North America and Europe. The survey shows an average of 11 percent of the online population between 10 and 65 stating that they plan to buy VR products in the next six months. Intention is said to be highest in Spain, Italy and the U.S. with consumers in the Netherlands and Belgium most skeptical.
Newzoo notes that 7 percent of this group, or 4.4 million people, are non-gamers, which it says indicates the technology’s appeal and reach is extending beyond gaming.
On a country level, Spain scores the highest with 16 percent showing interest. The Newzoo research shows Canada having the highest share of VR buyers that should be able to afford the high-end products. Cross-analyzing e-sports engagement and VR buying intention shows that there is a strong correlation: 63 percent of all VR buyers are into e-sports.