Virtual Reality
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Virtual Reality.
VR developer Vertigo Games shutters Amsterdam studioVR developer Vertigo Games has closed its Amsterdam studio due to ongoing challenges within the virtual reality industry. CEO Richard Stitselaar expressed gratitude for the team's contributions and stated the company's focus is on supporting affected employees. This closure reflects broader difficulties in the VR sector, with other companies like Rec Room and Polyarc Games also experiencing cutbacks.
Steam Machine and Steam Frame will release this summer, but dates and prices are still unknownValve has announced that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware will be released this summer, though specific dates and pricing remain unconfirmed. The company is expanding its Verified program to these devices, similar to the Steam Deck, to indicate game compatibility. Component cost increases have impacted previous release plans and led to a price hike for the Steam Deck OLED.
Backrooms director says Valve is an inspiration: "Don't make it if there's not a meaningful reason…Backrooms director Kane Parsons cites Valve's commitment to creating games with a meaningful purpose as a significant inspiration for his work. He praises Valve's philosophy of not making projects without a strong underlying reason, using Half-Life: Alyx as an example of a game developed to explore new technology like VR.
Kinetic push two Phasmophobia updates to alleviate VR and other UX pains since Character UpdateKinetic Games has released two hotfixes for Phasmophobia to address issues stemming from the recent Player Character Update, particularly those affecting VR players. The updates reimplement the VR belt, revert changes to ghost speed acceleration, and fix various bugs related to gameplay mechanics and user interface elements. The developer plans to share its updated roadmap for 2026 later in June.- VR exercise platform Supernatural is getting a second chance as an independent companyThe VR exercise platform Supernatural is being relaunched as an independent company this fall. This comes months after Meta had originally planned to shut down the service.
SteamVR 2.16 arrives with a number of Linux fixes for VR fansValve has released SteamVR 2.16, bringing numerous bug fixes and improvements for the VR experience on PC, with a particular focus on Linux users. The update includes enhancements to VRLink on Linux, general Linux fixes, and various improvements to the dashboard, streaming, and core SteamVR functionality. It also addresses issues with specific hardware like HTC Vive and Varjo headsets, and improves compatibility for games like Pavlov and Into The Radius 2 on Meta Quest.- UnLoop drops its price: Because arguing with your past-self shouldn't break the bankSuperposition NULL has permanently reduced the base price of its VR puzzle game UnLoop from $24.99 to $17.99. The game challenges players to cooperate with their own past selves to solve puzzles within a time loop. The price drop aims to make the unique VR experience more accessible.
- Cave Crave turns the underground into a canvas with new Art Pack DLC and Multiplayer Drawing Mode3R Games has released the Art Pack DLC and a free multiplayer update for its VR spelunking game, Cave Crave. The Art Pack introduces new tools for painting cave walls and cosmetic items, while the update adds a 'Paint Cave' mode for competitive group drawing competitions. The new content is available on Meta Quest, with the game also supporting SteamVR and PlayStation VR2.
- Virtual Reality CheckA scientist suggests that being 'an avatar in a VR game' implies that our perceived reality might not be what it seems. This perspective draws parallels to simulation theory, questioning the nature of existence and consciousness.
A toast to the wild west weirdos of the MMO goldrush—from the game that unleashed pandora's lootbox, to a deeply strange mess based off a 1996 science fiction novelThis article reflects on the unique and often strange MMOs from the genre's goldrush era between 2005-2015, highlighting games like Zhengtu Online, which pioneered lootboxes, and The Matrix Online, an ambitious early example of live service elements. It contrasts these experimental titles with the more risk-averse nature of modern game development, suggesting that such creative and peculiar games are unlikely to emerge today.
The Meta Quest 3S is losing its grip on the budget VR gaming market as Sony's discounted PSVR 2 starts to sell outSony's PlayStation VR 2 is outselling Meta's Quest 3S following a significant price drop during the Days of Play sale. The PSVR 2, now available for $299.99, offers superior visual fidelity with OLED HDR displays and a wider field of view, making it a more attractive option for VR gaming compared to the Quest 3S's $349.99 price point and standalone capabilities.- Puzzling Places Expands Steam Version With Puzzle Packs and EditionsRealities.io has released a significant content expansion for Puzzling Places on PC, adding new Premium Puzzles, Puzzle Packs, and two new editions: Starter Edition and Premium Edition. The update enhances the Steam version of the 3D jigsaw simulation game with a variety of new environments and experiences. Puzzling Places is also available on Meta Quest, Pico, and PlayStation VR2.
Virtual Reality Casinos: The Next Frontier?Virtual Reality (VR) casinos are emerging as a potential evolution of online gambling, offering immersive digital environments accessed through VR headsets. While they provide enhanced player experiences through deep immersion and social interaction, challenges such as high hardware costs, limited user bases, and technical issues like latency and motion sickness are slowing adoption. Currently, VR casinos are seen as complementary to traditional online and land-based options, with their future dependent on technological advancements, user adoption, and regulatory adaptation.- PlayStation VR 2 Is On Sale For Its Best Price During Days Of PlaySony's PlayStation VR2 headset is available for $299, its lowest price, as part of the Days of Play sales event until June 10. This $100 discount applies to the bundle, which includes the headset, controllers, and earbuds. The VR2 headset requires a connection to a PlayStation 5 or PC to function.
- Top-Rated VR God Sim Reveals Second Update in a Series of Art UpgradesThoughtfish has released the second art upgrade for their VR-exclusive god simulation game, How to God. This update includes redesigned foliage and upgraded terrain textures for the Meta Quest platform, with a PC version to follow soon. This is part of a series of four planned visual enhancements aimed at improving the player experience based on community feedback.
Days of Play Sale 2026 Features Discounts on Hardware and Games in the Philippines - GameHauntSony's annual Days of Play sale is live from May 27 to June 10, 2026, offering discounts on PlayStation hardware and games in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The PlayStation VR2 headset sees a significant price drop, and select first-party titles are available at historic lows. Notably, there are no discounts on PlayStation 5 consoles this year, a departure from previous sales.
New Games Publisher Helmed by Ex-Meta Leadership Team Emerges from the Shadows A new game publisher, Dark Arts Syndicate, has been launched by former Meta (Oculus Publishing) leadership, including Melissa Brown, Donal Gordon, and Coray Seifert. The company aims to provide comprehensive publishing services to developers across various models, leveraging their experience in the VR ecosystem and broader games industry.- The night shift... now with the terrifying depth of VRJanduSoft and Bowl of Tentacles are collaborating to bring the horror game Order 13 to virtual reality as Order 13 VR. Originally developed by Cybernetic Walrus, the VR adaptation will feature fully redesigned interactions and a physical inventory system for enhanced immersion. This marks a second collaboration between JanduSoft and Bowl of Tentacles, following their work on Evil Inside VR.
- Virtual Reality CheckRecent leaks and specifications for Valve's upcoming Steam VR headset have surfaced, providing details on the new virtual reality hardware. The information suggests Valve is continuing its development in the VR space.
- Virtual Reality CheckSnap is reportedly launching its augmented reality glasses this Fall with a price tag of $2,500. The article also briefly mentions the Homestar Runner Distraction Pack for the game Walkabout Mini-Golf.