With over 45 member companies representing the XR industry, the XR Association (XRA) has led the way in accelerating the growth and adoption of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technology.
Recently, it released its annual “State of the Industry Report”, highlighting key developments and milestones in 2022 and sharing a glimpse of what’s in store for the industry in the next few years. The report showcases the growing ecosystem of companies involved in immersive technologies and their commitment to innovation, safety, and user experience.
“Looking at 2022, I am amazed to see all that XRA and the industry have accomplished, including the rollout of enterprise metaverse solutions to drive meaningful global staff engagements, previews of photorealistic avatars for consumers, the development of effective beta programming for accessibility features in VR and AR and our Developers Guide on XR in Secondary Education,” said Stephanie Montgomery, XRA’s SVP of Research and Best Practices. “Students in the classroom are using XR to learn everything from Greek mythology to microbiology. All of these and more are driving real efficiencies and bottom-line savings for consumers and corporations.”
The report recognized several member companies for their outstanding contributions to the industry and the milestones they have achieved in the past year. This includes noteworthy industry firsts such as GameDriver’s out-of-the-box automated testing solution, and Big Rock Creative’s VR-only comic book convention. Transfr was also recognized for using VR training to enhance workforce development in areas such as career exploration in Alabama, Indiana, and Montana, and electrician training.
2022 also saw much progress in the immersive technology space, with several product launches that showcased new use cases for emerging technologies. Meta unveiled its Infinite Display system for VR Optics and the Meta Quest Pro with full-color mixed reality, while Google announced the launch of Immersive View for Maps and other updates aimed to make search and maps more immersive. HTC launched VIVERSE, their metaverse platform that aims to create positive experiences that benefit every user. Sony also unveiled its new PlayStation VR headset.
Investments in new initiatives signify confidence in the industry and create much room for growth. Talespin announced a $20M Series C funding round. Accenture invested in both Talespin and Strivr to help advance immersive learning and enterprise VR. They also invested in BehaVR to expand VR-based mental and behavioral healthcare access.
Aside from milestones and member achievements, XRA also made a significant impact across and beyond the XR industry. XRA held 100+ speaking events and major conferences worldwide to promote XR adoption. It also celebrated the leaders across the XR industry for their achievements as part of its Limitless Voices Initiative.
XRA’s impact also extends to politics, as it plays a significant role in shaping legislation that would affect the XR industry. It helped push the recent passage of the CHIPS and Science Act which includes provisions that support the research and development of XR technology.
The XR Association also introduced the National XR Month Resolution and the XR Workforce bill. According to Joan O’Hara, XRA’s SVP of Public Policy, “2022 was truly a banner year for XRA Policy. Our mission is to educate lawmakers, thought leaders, and the public about XR technology’s positive impact on society and to influence the development of the laws and regulations that will shape its future.”
2022 also marked the launch of the XR for All Foundation, its social responsibility arm formed to engage and support diverse communities and open career opportunities in the immersive technology industry. Through collaboration with experts from the academe, industry, and government, XRA is expected to continue developing best practices and guidelines for the industry.
In 2023 and beyond, XRA is committed to promoting the responsible development and use of immersive technology. The association will continue supporting beneficial legislation, introducing new initiatives, and supporting its members in developing innovative XR solutions that transform how users engage with different immersive experiences.
“Our main priority is ensuring that all members, big and small, can reap the incredible benefits of our stakeholder engagement and legislative efforts,” said Liz Hyman, CEO of XRA. “As this vital industry continues its expansion into workplace training and safety, healthcare, and education, we must work together to build, shape, and navigate the larger technology landscape.”
Overall, the XRA State of the Industry Report offers a positive outlook for the future of the XR industry. Aside from providing a comprehensive overview of the key developments and achievements in the industry, it also highlights XRA’s commitment to promoting the responsible development and use of immersive technology.
XRA also reaffirms its role in leading the way to the continued growth and development of AR, VR, and MR technologies. Indeed, with its diverse and growing membership base, the XR Association is well-positioned to drive innovation and transformation across various industries in the coming years.
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