‘Propagation VR’ Sequel Coming to Quest & SteamVR Next Week, Gameplay Trailer Here
Propagation VR (2020), the VR survival horror game for PC VR headsets, is getting a sequel called Propagation: Paradise Hotel, and it’s coming next week.
High End Camera Maker Takes Its First Step into Consumer VR Software
First unveiled at CES 2022 early last year, Canon has now taken its first step into consumer VR software with Kokomo, its fledgling social VR platform. Compared to more full-featured collaboration apps, Kokomo isn’t there yet, but it’s a start in a new direction for Canon, which up until now has been mostly focused on XR hardware aimed at enterprise.
This ‘Skyrim VR’ Mod Shows How AI Can Take VR Immersion to the Next Level
ChatGPT isn’t perfect, but the popular AI chatbot’s access to large language models (LLM) means it can do a lot of things you might not expect, like give all of Tamriel’s NPC inhabitants the ability to hold natural conversations and answer questions about the iconic fantasy world. Uncanny, yes. But it’s a prescient look at how games might one day use AI to reach new heights in immersion.
Magic Leap 2 Now Supports OpenXR, Strengthening Industry Against Potential Apple Upheaval
Though delayed from its commitment last year, Magic Leap today announced that ML2 now fully supports OpenXR. The timing might have something to do with Apple’s looming entrance into the XR space.
Whether Hit or Flop, Apple’s Entrance Will Be a Pivotal Moment for XR
If the avalanche of recent reports can indicate anything at all, it seems Apple is entering the VR/AR headset market fairly soon, bringing along with it the most inflated expectations the industry has ever seen. It’s probably going to be expensive, but whether it flops or becomes a big hit, the mere existence of Apple in the space is set to change a lot about how things are done.
SenseGlove Raises €3.25M in Series A Funding Round to Advance VR Haptic Gloves
SenseGlove, a Netherlands-based creator of XR haptic gloves, has secured €3.25 million (~$3.5 million) in a series A funding round, something the company says will be used to accelerate its enterprise-focused SenseGlove Nova haptic gloves.
Take a Trip Aboard the ISS in Latest VR Film From Lauded Immersive Filmmakers Felix & Paul
Felix & Paul, the studio known for its pioneering work in creating cinematic immersive films, is set to release the first installment in a new VR trilogy shot from the International Space Station (ISS), which is slated to offer stunning views of Earth from low orbit.
Headset Maker Aims to Deliver Portable & Affordable VR Combat Sim for Training Real Pilots
Enterprise headset maker Vrgineers has developed a portable VR combat flight sim system for training pilots on a wide range of combat aircraft, including planes and helicopters. The entire system fits into a single large case and can be deployed wherever it’s needed.
The 20 Best Rated & Most Popular Quest Games & Apps – April 2023
While Oculus doesn’t offer much publicly in the way of understanding how well individual games & apps are performing across its Quest 2 storefront, it’s possible to glean some insight by looking at apps relative to each other. Here’s a snapshot of the 20 best rated Oculus Quest games and apps as of April 2023.
Meta Layoffs Affect VR Teams at ‘Lone Echo’ & ‘Onward’ Studios
Meta is the midst of a second large round of layoffs, and this time a number of employees in its internal VR studios have been affected.
Report: Apple Racing to Build Software & Services for Upcoming Mixed Reality Headset
Apple appears to be getting ready to unveil its first mixed reality headset at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Now a report from Bloomberg maintains the Cupertino tech giant is also prepping a dizzying number of first-party apps, including gaming, fitness, video and collaboration tools.
Meta to Open ‘Horizon Worlds’ Social VR Platform to Kids Ages 13+
Horizon Worlds, Meta’s social VR platform for Quest, is only open to 18+ users for now, however the company says it’s expanding to include teens aged 13 to 17 in the US and Canada.
‘Blacktop Hoops’ Studio Announces $5.1M Funding Round, Open Beta Now Live
Vinci Games, the studio behind popular VR basketball game Blacktop Hoops, has raised $5.1 million in a seed funding round.
Valve Interview Confirms Its VR Ambitions Are Alive and Kicking
If you’ve been plugged into the Valve leak-o-verse, you’ve probably come across the name ‘Deckard’, the supposed code name of a standalone headset allegedly under development by the one and only. While Valve isn’t confirming anything about the storied standalone, the company went on record late last year to say they are still have faith in VR, and are critically still working on VR headsets.
‘Firmament’ Trailer Spotlights Core Puzzle Mechanic Ahead of May PC VR Launch
Last month we got an eyeful of Cyan’s upcoming VR puzzle adventure Firmament in an extended preview trailer that showed off some of the game’s impressively looming set pieces. Now, prepping for the game’s May 18th release on PC VR, the studio released its first look at some of the game’s puzzle mechanics.
