PokerStars has announced the launch of its new VR offering, now available to download and play for free in all of the company’s global markets, after recently previewing the online software ahead of commercial release.

Ahead of its official launch, 150 invited guests participated in a closed beta test, allowing them to play and test PokerStars VR using the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

The Stars Group is promising players worldwide that they can “now experience what happens when the worlds of live and online poker collide from the comfort of their own home,” with the virtual poker experience available to download through the Oculus and Viveport stores, as well as through Steam.

Severin Rasset, director of poker innovation and operations at PokerStars, commented: “When we showcased the product it was amazing to see people really enjoy and become engrossed in the game.

“We wanted to venture into the world of virtual reality, because we believe it is an exciting avenue of technology to explore and something that our players would appreciate.

“I highly recommend that everyone tries out the game, as it can only truly be understood and enjoyed by experiencing it.”

Developed in collaboration with virtual reality developer Lucky VR, work has gone in to recreating the atmosphere of a live poker game, including features such as chip stacking, card-peeking and the ability to try to get a genuine read on opponents.

Players can choose from a variety of environments from which to enjoy PokerStars VR, such as Macau 2050, The Macau Suite, The Showdown Saloon, Monte-Carlo Yacht and The Void.

The company also details that a series of intuitive controls make gameplay easier, with users able to handle chips and cards, and pick up on tells, talk and interact just as they would at a live table.

The game also features a host of interactive props to have fun with, including voice command, as well as integrated Twitch broadcasting and media streaming.

Check out the promotional video for PokerStars VR below.