Do you want an escape from everyday life, or a way to change your life? In the coming decades, gaming technology will make both choices possible in 3-D virtual reality to a degree unheard of today.

Anyone wishing to explore imaginary worlds 20 years from now will find the journey much more convincing and immersive than it is now. Indeed, for those born after 2015, full immersion in virtual worlds will be as frequent and matter-of-fact as checking Facebook is today. “Presence” will replace “social” as the thing 20-somethings...