For some, the HTC Vive VR release date set this year means they can take home Valve and HTC's virtual reality headset. But many others will have to wait until next year.
This is according to press release issued by Valve picked up by VR Focus.
"Later this year, HTC will offer the first commercial Vive units via a limited quantity of community and developer systems, with larger quantities shipping in calendar Q1 2016."
Earlier this month, HTC's marketing head Jeff Gattis reaffirmed the Vive VR consumer version's launch later this year and revealed they're targeting an October reveal for the device, as Franchise Herald reported.
"That's a setback for the fledgling virtual reality gaming market, as the HTC Vive was scheduled to be the first major commercial platform launch this November," VentureBeat said.
According to the website, the delay puts the Vive VR right around the same time Facebook-owned Oculus Rift comes out next year. Sony's Project Morpheus is also expected to launch in the first half of 2016.
The delayed HTC Vive VR release date has worried some because instead of leading the virtual reality market, Valve and HTC's VR headset is going against its rivals.
"Competition is good, but HTC isn't known for its winning marketing campaigns, and there's a risk it could get lost in the inevitable promo overload generated by Sony and Facebook," DigitalTrends said.
But the website thinks Valve's "tech skills" and "immersive VR experience" could turn the tide in their favor and win over fans in the process.
Another thing that could help make the Vive a success is the "Half Life" developer's "Room Scale" that allows users to move in an area of up to 15 feet by 15 feet and Lighthouse position-tracking tech.
This year's exact HTC Vive VR release date has yet to be announced. For the meantime, fans can head over to PAX Prime in Seattle, Wash. on August 28 to 31 as part of the device's on-going world tour.
