Epic Games x Sony VR?
Oculus Quest is a big deal. This month, the standalone headset developed by Facebook acquired more than 60% of Steam VR users. So 6 out of 10 VR users use Oculus Quest devices. However, competition does not sleep, and there are rumours about both HTC and Sony aiming to deliver alternatives to Oculus Quest.
This week we could read that Epic Games (creators of Fortnite and Unreal Engine) consider building a launch title for Sony’s “next VR platform”. This is an exciting piece of news because if remote rendering continues to grow, we might see some AAA games of PCVR quality on mobile devices.
Another Facebook’s acquisition
After Ready at Dawn, who developed Lone Echo and Echo Arena, Facebook acquired Downpour Interactive who created one of the most popular realistic war simulators – Onward. In fact, Onward is one of the most popular VR multiplayer games, regardless of the genre. Downpour is a fourth VR studio acquired by Facebook. Now it shares some (remote) offices with developers of Beat Saber, Asgard’s Wrath, and the Echo Arena mentioned above.
Is Netflix hiring Vtubers?
The popularity of virtual streamers is increasing, so Netflix’s step is understandable. As a part of the promotion campaign of new original anime series, Netflix started to work with N-ko.
N-ko is a sheep-human Vtuber (virtual streamer) who has been appointed as an official ambassador to help promote original anime content by engaging with the rapidly growing Vtuber culture.
Given Netflix’s plans to release over 40 anime movies, including the new Sailor Moon and Terminator, this collaboration may be fun to watch.
Yaw2 – crowdfunding for a VR chair
VR industry is not only software but also hardware. There is no wonder that there is an integral part of the market that makes VR experiences even more fun among game developers. We are talking about companies like VR Cover, which create excellent replacement foams for Oculus Quest and other accessories that make your gaming experience more comfortable. We are talking about Knoxlabs who sell 3D printed controller grips that improve your aiming in games like Onward.
And we are also talking about Yaw2 that also brings money to the market. Yaw2 is a motion simulator chair for VR that recently attracted $1M in its first week on Kickstarter.
Since not everyone wants to stand, jump or duck during the gaming experience, Yaw2 is great for those with limited mobility, laziness, or simply people who want to try something else.