Meta Connect 2023 Unveils a VR & MR Gaming Extravaganza
Meta Connect 2023 left the VR and mixed reality gaming community buzzing with excitement. From LEGO Bricktales to the spine-tingling world of Stranger Things, the event showcased a plethora of promising titles that are set to redefine the immersive gaming experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the groundbreaking announcements.
The Meta VR Revolution
It comes as no surprise that Meta is at the forefront of the mixed reality revolution, and this year’s Connect event underscored their commitment to pushing the boundaries. With the imminent launch of Quest 3, boasting enhanced color passthrough, a formidable Snapdragon XR2 processor, and an impressive boost in resolution, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, made it abundantly clear where their focus lies. Set to launch on October 10, Connect showcased how a multitude of Quest games are embracing mixed reality, either as supplementary gameplay modes or as fully immersive experiences.
One notable revelation was the emphasis on cross-generational releases. Unlike Quest 3, exclusive games won’t be the focal point at launch. Instead, Meta is promoting a cross-platform release slate across Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Quest 3. Notably, on Quest 2, mixed reality passthrough support is limited to black and white output, while Pro and Quest 3 users enjoy a vivid color experience at varying resolutions.
A Glimpse into the Gaming Lineup
Meta Connect 2023 offered tantalizing glimpses of numerous games, each with its unique appeal and innovation. Demeo, Laser Dance, Broken Edge, Super Rumble, NFL Pro Era 2, Racket Club, Knockout League, and more made brief but exciting appearances. Additionally, Xbox Cloud Gaming is set to introduce 2D games this December, and the streaming app Xtadium also took the spotlight.
Game Announcements Galore
For avid gamers, the event was a treasure trove of exciting game announcements. Here’s a roundup of some of the most anticipated titles:
Assassin’s Creed Nexus
Fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise had reason to celebrate as Assassin’s Creed Nexus made a thrilling appearance. The game allows players to step into the shoes of iconic characters like Kassandra, Ezio, and Connor, embarking on epic adventures across different eras. Set to release on November 16, this game promises an enthralling journey through history.
Asgard’s Wrath 2
Asgard’s Wrath 2 promises to deliver an MR (mixed reality) mode that immerses players in a world where Loki’s minions emerge from anomalies in your room. Available on Quest Pro and Quest 3, this highly-anticipated title hits the shelves on December 15. Early adopters of Quest 3 who purchase the headset before January 27, 2024, will receive this experience for free, adding to the excitement surrounding the new hardware.
BAM! – The Fast-Paced Multiplayer Extravaganza
BAM! brings an exhilarating multiplayer experience to Quest 3, offering fast-paced action in a customizable tabletop arena. Scale it, rotate it, and puppeteer your character to victory, whether you’re competing online or locally via spatial anchors. BAM! arrives on October 10, marking its debut as a Quest 3 launch game.
First Encounters – An MR Tutorial Adventure
First Encounters offers a unique mixed reality tutorial experience for Quest 3 users. This adventure combines elements of first-person shooting and scene understanding. Players are tasked with breaking down walls in their real-world environment to locate and capture space critters, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay. Dive into this immersive tutorial from 1:49:08.
FitXR – Zumba Classes in VR
FitXR is set to introduce Zumba classes to the world of VR, enhancing fitness routines with immersive gameplay. While a specific release date wasn’t confirmed during the event, the developer assures us that it’s “coming soon,” creating anticipation among fitness and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
Ghostbusters fans have much to look forward to with the upcoming release of Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord. This title, available next month on PSVR 2 and Quest, will feature an exclusive MR mode on Meta’s standalone platform. Get a glimpse of the action at 2:04:48 and dive deeper into the ghostly world in our recent preview.
Headspace – Your Portal to Wellness
Melissa Brown, Meta’s Head of Developer Relations, confirmed during the event (2:00:54) that the wellness and mindfulness app, Headspace, is making its way to Quest 3 soon. While further details weren’t disclosed, the inclusion of this app underscores Meta’s commitment to holistic well-being.
LEGO Bricktales – Building Adventures in VR
LEGO Bricktales VR is set to make its debut on Quest 3 as a launch window game on December 7th. This exciting adventure allows players to journey through five LEGO-themed biomes, from sun-drenched deserts to medieval castles. What sets this experience apart is its mixed reality support, enabling you to place LEGO dioramas on your tabletop. Explore this imaginative world at 1:07:42 and 2:04:51.
Les Mills Bodycombat – Fitness in Mixed Reality
Les Mills Bodycombat is receiving MR support for the Quest version. Obstacles burst through your wall, adding an exhilarating dimension to your workout. Experience this innovative fitness journey at 1:08:05, 1:52:56, and 1:59:49. The main game is available now, offering a polished and effective workout experience.
Roblox – Unleash Your Creativity in VR
Roblox, the popular game creation platform, is now available as a full release on the main Quest store. This move makes it even easier for creators and gamers to explore the limitless possibilities of user-generated content in VR.
Stranger Things VR – Dive into the Unknown
Stranger Things VR by Tender Claws promises an enthralling psychological horror action experience. Playing as the enigmatic Vecna from the fourth series, players must fend off monsters and infiltrate minds. The game launches on November 30 on Quest and features a captivating MR mode with hand-tracking support. Immerse yourself in the eerie world at 1:08:27 and 1:47:40.
Supernatural – Your Fitness Journey Redefined
Meta confirmed a significant price cut for Supernatural’s monthly subscription. Previously priced at $18 per month, it will now be available for just $10 per month. Alongside this announcement, new footage running on Quest 3 was showcased, providing a glimpse of the enhanced fitness experience. Explore the world of Supernatural from 2:00:04 onwards.
The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners Enhanced Edition
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is set to receive an enhanced edition on Quest 3 this fall. During the event, viewers were treated to direct comparison footage between Quest 2 and Quest 3, showcasing the impressive upgrades that await players in the enhanced edition.
Wallace and Gromit – A Grand Getaway in MR
Wallace and Gromit in the Grand Getaway will include a mixed reality game when it arrives later this year. Although it received only a brief appearance at 2:01:39, the prospect of stepping into the world of Wallace and Gromit in mixed reality is an exciting one. Explore more in our recent preview and interviews with Aardman, No Ghost, and Atlas V.
Meta Connect 2023 left an indelible mark on the world of VR and mixed reality gaming. With an array of innovative games and experiences on the horizon, it’s clear that the immersive gaming landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Stay tuned for these exciting releases and prepare to embark on adventures like never before.
