Virtual Reality Exclusives: A Misunderstood Aspect of Gaming, Exploring Deadpool and Thief as Controversial Examples
The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster ride for VR enthusiasts, with a plethora of brand-new, VR-exclusive announcements dropping left and right. From Deadpool VR and Thief VR, to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles adventure, it's clear that there's a whole lot of fun on the horizon for Meta Quest players.
In his weekly column, our senior content producer Nick Sutrich discusses all things VR, diving deep into the world of new hardware, games, technologies, and more. Yet, a vocal subset of gamers can't seem to help themselves from trying to destroy anything VR, solely because they don't like it - regardless of whether the game is awesome or not. VR gamer seem to be unable to experience high-quality gaming experiences simply because the VR community is relatively small compared to the traditional gaming world.
It's deja vu all over again, as we saw the exact same reaction when Batman: Arkham Shadow was announced, with vocal gamers blocking out facts with their tired arguments. Their rant? "Real gamers" don't play VR games - a ludicrous sentiment given that it's the furtherance of VR developers' quest to attract more gamers to VR that makes these VR-exclusive games possible.
The unique economy of VR gaming
Think of VR games as an artist’s unique canvas for their chosen medium - VR has its own economy, separate from traditional or mobile gaming. This unique canvas is essential for VR paints, as they don't mix well on the traditional gaming canvas.
Because of this, funding for VR games is often separate from that for traditional games, making things even more complicated with companies like Sony and Meta stepping in to fund select titles. For example, PSVR 2-exclusive VR modes in games like Resident Evil 7 and 8 were partially funded by Sony. Meta, on the other hand, has funded hundreds of VR games over the past decade, helping support the development and publication of these gaming gems.
The rise of VR-exclusive titles
With the backing of companies like Meta, we're seeing the resurgence of beloved franchises, like Thief and Batman Arkham, make their way into VR. These new releases came about because Meta approached the owners of these IPs, shelling out the cash for the opportunity to revive a fan-favorite series in an innovative new way. This is the epitome of fan service, as it not only brings back some favorite titles but also brings them to the modern gaming world with a fresh new perspective.
Similarly, Maze Theory, a VR-only developer, is creating Metro Awakening, while Vertigo Games, the same company behind Thief VR, is publishing it. The developers of the mainline Metro series, 4A Games, have been busy making the next mainline Metro game while also dealing with the ongoing Ukraine War (since 2022), and the resulting game is said to be even darker than its predecessors. So, fret not, Metro fans - you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Despite all these facts, the VR-naysayers continue to ignore reality, choosing instead to cling to their tired, closed-minded attitudes towards new experiences. But remember, the thing that makes gaming fun is playing something new and different - something that VR excels at. So, why not take the leap and give VR a try?
VR: Not just a passing fad
Despite the naysayers claiming otherwise, VR is very much alive and well. In fact, VR makes up 10% of the total player base of 195.7 million gamers, according to a report by the Entertainment Software Association. While this may fall under the definition of "niche," the number of active VR users is anything but. Driven by Millennials and younger generations, VR is attracting the attention of the next generation of gamers.
Ironically, playing games to have fun is inversely proportional in the ESA's report, with younger gamers opting to choose this as their foremost reason for gaming, while older gamers are significantly less interested. Perhaps this explains why some gamers are allergic to having fun if the definition of fun doesn't fit within a narrow window.
Yet, despite the popularity of VR, some gamers continue to scoff at the idea of "big-name" VR games. But when you consider the immense ease of access with devices like the Meta Quest, which requires no PC or additional setup, it's clear that these naysayers are simply out of touch.
If you're on the fence about jumping into the world of VR, consider this: Meta is reportedly working on a sort of VR/smart glasses hybrid device that’ll provide gamers with a substantially lighter headset than the current options. This device may launch as early as next year, opening up new pathways for gamers who have opted out of VR due to the size or weight of existing headsets.
Ready to take the plunge? The Meta Quest 3S is currently available for $269 and comes with a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. Better yet, the Metacritic score for the game is excellent, and it stands as one of the best Meta Quest games out there. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of VR and see what you've been missing!
Meta Quest 3S 128GB: $269.99, plus free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow at Best Buy
- Technology has played a significant role in the development of VR gaming, with companies like Meta funding VR-exclusive titles and creating devices like the Meta Quest to make VR gaming more accessible.
- In the realm of VR gaming, gadgets such as the Meta Quest serve as unique platforms for gamers to enjoy exclusive titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow, Deadpool VR, and Thief VR, forming a separate economy distinct from traditional gaming.
