I don't think Carmack was speaking to any kind of content in particular (canned or otherwise). This was more of an update on the current state of of the technology.
In any case, I think it's early to say what's a dead end. As you say, there are no killer apps yet. Even VR porn is still at a demo stage. It all might be a dead end, if you want to go on existence proof alone.
Honestly, I was expecting one of the VR platforms to attract simple applications/games. Resolution doesn't matter much if you're looking at stick figures.
If big, epic content is what it will take to get VR to that "real product" stage then I think the platforms will have to produce it. I could imagine "canned" content similar to old Imax movies working well, but that is not a 2 guys and a camera type of job. Who would put up that kind of money, for such a small audience, when all the first mover benefits go to the platforms.
In any case, I think it's early to say what's a dead end. As you say, there are no killer apps yet. Even VR porn is still at a demo stage. It all might be a dead end, if you want to go on existence proof alone.
Honestly, I was expecting one of the VR platforms to attract simple applications/games. Resolution doesn't matter much if you're looking at stick figures.
If big, epic content is what it will take to get VR to that "real product" stage then I think the platforms will have to produce it. I could imagine "canned" content similar to old Imax movies working well, but that is not a 2 guys and a camera type of job. Who would put up that kind of money, for such a small audience, when all the first mover benefits go to the platforms.