We're convinced that the answer is no. Although one day we may have the technology to generate photo-realistic images in real time, computers will never truly be able to create anything as complex, as detailed, and as organic as our world. Chaos theory is beginning to show us that there is a level of complexity, randomness, and uncertainty in the universe that is impossible to predict or create. Meanwhile, researchers in artificial intelligence have, over the past 20 years, found out how difficult it is to simulate even the simplest forms of common sense reasoning we all routinely perform every day.Ultimately, however, we look toward our experience of reality itself to answer the question. And we find what appears to be a core paradox: the more we search, the more we learn, and the more we discover about reality, the less we seem to know about the whole. The complexity of reality and what can be experienced indicates a mystery so profound and subtle that not only can it not be created by the human mind--it can barely be comprehended. (Aukstakalnis & Blatner, 23)
I have learned to "never say never." Looking at the wonders around us, the immensely complex and textured fabric of the real world, notwithstanding the strides being taken in computer interface technology, I find myself wondering why anyone would prefer the wired-up world of a VR environment for anything other than training sims or games. Given the current limitations, and the technology that will be required to create Sutherland's room, I believe that there is little likelihood that a holodeck will be available in the next century; there is still too much to learn, and do. And if we think we don't know enough about touch--how much less do we know about the complexities of the human brain? A future in which it is possible to implant objects in the brain to assist in fantasies--and create addictions--for ordinary mortals is not close. Gibson, Shantner and Jerry Pournelle notwithstanding, we'll have to settle for the addictions we have, for the present.
This is not to say that the magic, continuously evolving world of
the computer has no role to play in entertaining us, now and in
the future. As with any scientific enquiry, the questions are
put, whether we like the answers or not. Many of us, on the
sidelines, would like to see VR entertainment develop into
something significant; but then hundreds of movies get made that
can't aspire to significance. Virtual Reality is on the horizon;
human ingenuity is astonishing, and when we want something, we
pretty much get it. But the warnings are out.