Facebook acquires Oculus VR for $2-billion

Virtual reality systems maker Oculus VR has been creating a stir in the gaming and tech world since showing off their head-mounted virtual reality display, Oculus Rift at E3 in 2012. So much so, that technology giant Facebook has confirmed that they have acquired the company for $2 billion.

“Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. For the past few years, this has mostly meant building mobile apps that help you share with the people you care about. We have a lot more to do on mobile, but at this point we feel we’re in a position where we can start focusing on what platforms will come next to enable even more useful, entertaining and personal experiences. This is where Oculus comes in,” wrote Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg in a blog post.

While the Oculus Rift system is mainly used for gaming, Facebook wants to take the technology and incorporate it into more scenarios.

“After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a court side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face — just by putting on goggles in your home.”

Zuckerberg added that virtual reality was once a far-fetched concept, but that has all changed with the advent of technology.

“Virtual reality was once the dream of science fiction. But the internet was also once a dream, and so were computers and smartphones. The future is coming and we have a chance to build it together. I can’t wait to start working with the whole team at Oculus to bring this future to the world, and to unlock new worlds for all of us,” he concluded.