VR Porn: A Year-End Snapshot

VR Porn: A Year-End Snapshot

LOS ANGELES — 2017 began with high hopes that this would be the year that virtual reality would “save the porn industry” and spur a revival of its revenues — but has this promise been fulfilled?

As 2016 came to a close, the industry’s optimism over VR wasn’t unfounded, as anyone who has experienced quality VR porn has witnessed a highly transformative media that will eventually disrupt everything in society — our bedrooms included.

Thus, the new year began with a flurry of new VR content releases underscoring the keen interest in the technology on the part of producers seeking to grab an edge in our highly competitive marketplace; but rather than accelerating throughout 2017, as the year has wound down, so have the new VR releases, providing a clear indication of a lack of widespread consumer demand.

Another clear example comes from the mainstream, including device manufacturers: The holiday season drives American tech retail sales. How many hot new VR systems did you see being advertised?

This isn’t a problem limited to adult entertainment, as there has been a disappointing lack of quality VR titles available from major studios as well; putting consumers into a “chicken or egg” situation, where there is not enough (good) content to justify purchasing/bothering with a headset; while producers see the small number of potential customers using VR and thus shy away from investment. There are many other obstacles to adoption as well, including the amount and cost of bandwidth to deliver VR and the formidable technical requirements — especially for high-end systems that leave consumers with sticker shock when they see the price tag.

While technologists and early-adopters didn’t need an invitation to jump on the platform’s promise, the uphill learning curve that forced new shooting methods and need for capital investment in an uncertain market took its toll on producers and left consumers confused over the options.

The highpoint for VR porn in 2017 came at XBIZ Miami, which debuted the XBIZ VR Shootout, bringing together the industry’s top VR cam, content, and service providers to showcase the bleeding edge of this experience to an awe-struck audience — many of whom were discovering VR (and live VR camming) for the first time. The energy was electric and extremely positive at the VR Shootout, with a palpable participant feeling of “I wonder what it will look like next year?”

With next year only a few days away, I have to wonder how much (if anything) has changed over 2017 — and I am not alone, with an active discussion now underway on XBIZ.net, where a group of industry pros are sharing their insider perspectives on VR content production, distribution and marketing.

Given the market’s realities, it’s not surprising that a range of results are being reported, with some once-bullish backers noting lackluster affiliate and content sales. For others, especially those with an exclusive focus on VR, growth is the name of the game, despite comparisons to 3D porn’s fad and flop.

Beyond XBIZ.net’s walled garden of expertise, the wider industry is also revealing its VR results to-date.

For example, one company reporting “an exponential increase” in VR sales this Christmas season is xHamster.

During the Christmas period, the demand for adult VR content on xHamster’s side project, VirtualTaboo, a platform offering exclusive VR content, roleplays and unlimited access to 180-degree immersive VR porn designed to please the most demanding users, grew four times compared to the previous month — and includes a significant increase in related adult gifts sales.

“It proves to be a growing trend,” VirtualTaboo CEO Capo Ward explains, “buying VR helmets and cardboards as holiday gifts.”

It should be noted that this trend is especially interesting as the overall traffic on xHamster during 2017’s Christmas break decreased by 22 percent in the U.K.; 20 percent in Italy, France, and Norway; and by 10 percent in the U.S.

Regardless of any slowdown in sales, production, or development of technology, the industry remains justified in its hope for VR success beyond even the most ambitious evangelists’ optimism. It will just be a matter of time — and a discussion to revisit a year from now, when 2019 looms.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Ofcom Releases Transparency Reporting Guidelines

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has made public its official guidance detailing how online service providers — including adult sites — will be required to publish annual transparency reports on their efforts to protect children from online harms.

New AV Rules Take Effect for Ireland-Based Sites

Ireland’s Online Safety Code came into force Monday, including a provision requiring adult sites headquartered in Ireland to implement age assurance measures beyond self-declaration.

XBIZ Amsterdam Calls on New Startups for 'Spotlight' Program

XBIZ is pleased to announce that its new “Startup Spotlight” programming will make its European premiere at XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel Amsterdam.

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Show More