Why Razer and THX Could Dominate VR Development

High-end gaming hardware company Razer recently acquired industry legend THX, and while THX will continue to operate as an independent entity with Ahmad-Taylor at the helm, he will report to the CEO of Razer moving forward.  

Because sensation and touch in VR are currently simulated using sound vibrations, sound will be crucial in VR technology development and improvement. Therefore, the recent deal positions both THX and Razer to not only stay competitive in the VR market, but to drive the technology’s evolution.

The deal gives THX the capital to continue raising its standards by pursing new developmental opportunities. On the other hand, the deal helps Razer to diversify and make more comprehensive their product offerings, therefore positioning the company to better compete in the coming VR boom.

Collaborating to Compete

On one side of the deal is Razer, a California-based company that develops high-end hardware and services for gamers and gaming.

The company’s high-quality product line includes gaming laptops, tablets, computer peripherals for gaming PCs, wearables, and accessories. 

On the other side of the negotiation table is THX. Founded by George Lucas in 1983 as part of Lucasfilm, the audio/visual pioneer is arguably the industry standard in entertainment audio quality certification.

The company develops HI-FI audio/visual reproduction standards as the basis of its certification and product development protocols.

In addition to certification, the THX Live! division is dedicated to optimizing client sound systems while THX Inside is focused on integrating the company’s core technologies into partner products.

“While Razer has a reputation for high-quality gaming products, they are debatably too-specialized to compete with THX’s cutting-edge sound technologies.”

As VR technology improves, becomes more affordable and, in turn, more commercially widespread, demand for high-quality VR gaming equipment will increase as well. The most comprehensive VR experiences will be those complete with high-quality visuals, sounds and sensations, and sensation in VR are created by sound waves that produce vibration. Therefore, sound will be a crucial component in the development and improvement of VR technology.

Driving the Future of VR

Big developments in VR technology and studio releases are expected for 2017, and the competition is heating up among players across the entertainment industry to integrate VR into their products and services –   from game developers to movie producers. While Razer has an impeccable reputation for producing high-quality gaming products and services, the company is debatably too-specialized to compete with THX’s reputation for both stringent certification standards and innovative sound technologies.

Razer needs ample expertise as it explores newer areas such as virtual reality and live streaming, where it must develop competitive, high-quality acoustics that make virtual environments and experiences as realistic as possible. With THX’s vast IP library complete with the industry’s most talented engineers and designers, the industry legend has the expertise and the capabilities both companies need to stay competitive in an accelerating market.