![Clay Bavor wears a Google Cardboard headset in the google woodworking shop in googles hq in mountain view, CA on june 24, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers01.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
By TIME Staff
In the August 17 cover story of TIME, we take a look at the rise of virtual reality, the perpetually promised technology of the future that is finally becoming a reality. Here’s a closer look at some of the minds behind the virtual realty gear that will start going on sale in late-2015 and early-2016.
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers04.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![LT_01.JPG Oculus game view](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers05.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Alex Kipman holdsa Microsoft HoloLens at the microsoft hq in redmond, Wa on june 25, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers02.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Microsoft-HoloLens-MixedWorld-RGB.JPG Microsoft-HoloLens-MixedWorld-RGB.JPG](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers06.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Ken Birdwell, an engineer from valve demonstrates the Vive virtual reality headset at the valve hq in Seattle, WA on June 25, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers03.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Alex Schwartz from Owlchemy Labs, a juggler in real life, juggling tomatoes in their 'Job Simulator' game for the Vive.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers07.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Clay Bavor wears a Google Cardboard headset in the google woodworking shop in googles hq in mountain view, CA on june 24, 2015.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vr-pioneers01.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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