Online poker giant PokerStars is previewing a virtual reality version of its online poker software with the view to a commercial release later this year.

PokerStars VR is a free-to-play, authentic and immersive social poker game, which will  give players the chance to play poker in visually engaging game environments, handle chips and cards, study opponents and pick up tells, chat in real time, and keep the tables fun with a host of interactive props.

Initially offering the No-Limit Hold’em version of poker, the multiplayer game is currently in a closed beta with around a hundred invitees playing and testing the game using Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Steam. PokerStars plans a commercial launch of the free-money game later this year.

The product was previewed this week in Birmingham, UK, at the EuroGamer games event. PokerStars VR, developed with Lucky VR, features intuitive controls for easy gameplay, voice-command controls, integrated Twitch broadcasting, video streaming and social media integration on Oculus Rift for those who wish to play and stream.

“PokerStars VR is a chance for us to take this amazing technology and bring something totally unique to poker players,” said Severin Rasset, director of poker innovation and operations at PokerStars.

“Poker is about interaction. It’s been bringing people together for well over a century. We’re really excited to invest in the next generation of the game and to give players the opportunity to meet in a brand new virtual reality dimension.”