Virtual Reality
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Virtual Reality.
CleanSheet 2 - Goalkeeping In VR Get A Major Overhaul - The AmigaGuru Gamer BlogCleanSheet 2 significantly overhauls the original goalkeeping VR simulator, adding a career mode, more stadiums, leaderboards, and detailed tracking. While it offers addictive gameplay and a rewarding trophy list, minor issues like tracking problems in specific modes and blurry background visuals detract from the immersion. Despite these flaws, it's a substantial improvement and a genuinely fun game.- The “EyeToy” – Ahead of Its Time or Sony’s First Steps Towards VR?This article examines Sony's EyeToy peripheral, questioning whether it was a precursor to modern virtual reality or simply an ahead-of-its-time accessory. It contrasts the EyeToy's capabilities with the current landscape of PlayStation VR titles.
The Steam Frame is arriving in the US, suggesting the VR headset's launch isn't far offRecent import manifests suggest Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, is arriving at US warehouses, indicating a potential summer launch. Shipments from Quanta Computing, which did not work on the Valve Index, point to the Steam Frame as the likely VR device. The article also speculates on the possibility of Steam Deck or Steam Machine resupplies based on other import data.- Top-Rated VR God Sim Releases Third Update in Their Series of Art UpgradesThoughtfish has released the third visual update for their VR-exclusive god simulation game, How to God. This update introduces completely redesigned villager models with new expressions, alongside remade zombie and cat people units. The update is available on Meta Quest, with a Steam version coming soon.
- Dark Ride: Sweet Dreams Expands Its Free VR Theme Park Experience With Major UpdateIndie VR studio Paleozoic is releasing a major update for its free Early Access VR experience, Dark Ride: Sweet Dreams, on June 16, 2026. The update significantly expands the Far East Alley section with new interactions, scavenger hunt elements, and environmental storytelling, integrating 'The Feline Fix' into the broader Sweet Dreams experience. The game continues to evolve as a modular VR theme park focused on exploration and atmosphere, remaining free for players on Steam and Meta Quest.
Echoes of Aincrad Hands-on Preview – That time I got transported into a video game, againEchoes of Aincrad is a new standalone action-RPG set in the Sword Art Online universe, developed by Game Studio Inc and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game traps players in the virtual world of Aincrad, where death means permanent consequences, and they must clear 100 floors to escape. The preview highlights a new cast of characters, a robust customization system, and fast-paced combat with Souls-lite elements, though it notes the preview build was surprisingly easy. Echoes of Aincrad is set to release on July 10th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
With Steam Frame arriving this summer, Meta is running out of time to entice gamers - will Prime Day do anything to…With the upcoming launch of Valve's SteamVR headset, Meta faces pressure to entice gamers to adopt its Quest 3 hardware, especially with Prime Day approaching. Despite recent price increases and internal challenges, Meta may offer discounts on Quest 3 accessories or even the headset itself to remain competitive against Valve's new offering.
Steam Frame's tutorial video appears to leak on Reddit, demonstrating a very brief explainer of its softwareA tutorial video for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, has allegedly leaked on Reddit. The brief clip showcases the headset's 'Welcome Tour' software, demonstrating controller functions and UI navigation. The leak suggests the Steam Frame is nearing its summer release, though specific details on units and pricing remain unannounced.
Echoes of Aincrad Hands-On Preview: Like An Episode Of The AnimeEchoes of Aincrad aims to capture the magic of the Sword Art Online anime, allowing players to experience a full season within the game's world before the First Arc's conclusion. The preview highlights detailed environments, fluid combat, and a progression system that emphasizes player skill and weapon mastery. The game is set to launch on July 9 for PC and potentially other platforms.- MMOs You’ve Never Heard Of: Cave Crave, Frostrail, and NightholmeThis article rounds up lesser-known multiplayer games, including Cave Crave, a VR spelunking simulator that recently added multiplayer for Meta Quest headsets and plans a PC version. Frostrail, a co-op survival game from Barotrauma developer FakeFish, is set for early access in Q4. Nightholme, a PvPvE extraction title where players transform into beasts, is planning a summer playtest.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic Is A Chance To Remedy My Biggest Gaming RegretThe author expresses regret for selling their PlayStation VR headset, having missed out on the critically acclaimed Moss games. Moss: The Forgotten Relic, a compilation of Moss and Moss: Book 2 reworked for consoles, offers a chance to experience these titles. A demo of Moss: Book 2 showcases its unique blend of puzzle-solving and combat mechanics, where the player acts as 'the Reader' guiding the mouse Quill through a storybook world.
A new Steam Frame setup video leak hints at imminent release dateA leaked setup video for Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset has surfaced, showing the device's initial configuration process. While the video was reportedly run on a Valve Index, it clearly references the Steam Frame. Valve has previously confirmed a summer release for the standalone VR headset, which can also connect to a PC for higher fidelity gaming.
Embracer-owned VR developer Vertigo Games closes Amsterdam studioEmbracer Group-owned Vertigo Games has closed its Amsterdam studio, the team behind the VR title Metro Awakening. CEO Richard Stitselaar cited challenging conditions in the VR market for the decision. Metro Awakening launched in 2024 to critical acclaim but did not meet sales expectations.- Virtual Reality CheckApple is laying the groundwork for its smart glasses with visionOS 2, featuring a pinnable AI visualization for Siri that reacts to gaze. Meanwhile, Meta has deleted its face-recognition system.
One of the biggest VR developers in the business closes a studio: 'The VR market remains a challenging space'VR development studio Vertigo Games has announced the closure of its Amsterdam studio, citing the challenging nature of the VR market. CEO Richard Stitselaar stated the decision was difficult and acknowledged the impact on employees. This follows similar struggles in the VR space, including Meta's closure of multiple VR studios and layoffs.
PSVR2 Fave Arizona Sunshine Sheds Virtual Reality, Goes Third-Person on PS5Vertigo Games is releasing a third-person shooter version of Arizona Sunshine for PlayStation 5, moving away from its PlayStation VR2 origins. The new version, also titled Arizona Sunshine, will feature co-op modes and the ability to play as the dog Buddy. It is scheduled for release in 2026.
VR stalwart Arizona Sunshine is getting a flatscreen PC & console portVertigo Games announced that the acclaimed VR title Arizona Sunshine will receive a flatscreen port for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch later this year. The port will feature a third-person perspective and include both online and couch co-op modes for two players. This move marks a shift for the VR-focused studio, reflecting broader trends in the VR market.
Valve continue working towards the Steam Frame with a new SteamVR BetaValve has released a new SteamVR Beta update, version 2.17.1, which includes various fixes and improvements for VR games on Linux, user interface elements, and developer settings. The update also continues work towards the Steam Deck's SteamOS, with anticipation building for its summer launch and pricing details.
I've run the numbers, and if the Steam Machine does arrive this summer, this is how much it should costThis article analyzes the potential cost of Valve's upcoming Steam Machine, estimating a starting price of around $775 for the 512GB model and $975 for the 2TB model based on current PC component prices. The analysis considers wholesale versus retail pricing and compares it to the recent price increases of the Steam Deck OLED, suggesting a final retail price for the Steam Machine could exceed $1,000.- Vertigo Games announces closure of its Amsterdam VR studioVertigo Games, a company recognized for its virtual reality projects, has announced the closure of its studio located in Amsterdam. The specific reasons for the closure were not detailed in the announcement.