The infamous game developer is bringing virtual reality to some of its most popular titles.
When it comes to major video game events there’s few conferences more impactful or influential than the iconic ‘Electronic Entertainment Expo,’ aka E3. The conference has been a cornerstone for the gaming community serving as one of the most effective platforms for marketing an upcoming product or experience.
Veteran game publisher Bethesda has made use of the event for years, revealing popular titles such as Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion just to name a few. This year the company used their valuable time in the spotlight to reveal some, erm, “unique” experiences. However, the once-celebrated company did manage to please fans of virtual reality with the exciting announcement of VR support for both DOOM as well as Fallout 4. Are you drooling yet? Because I am.
Announced during the publishers late-night press conference, Fallout 4 VR will bring virtual reality immersion to the full open-world RPG. Debuting this October on the HTC Vive, Fallout 4 VR will feature locomotion-based movement via the trackpad featured on the Vive controller. This could be one of the most important releases for the VR industry for years to come. Providing a full video game experience entirely in virtual reality could prove the technology is a viable option for extended entertaiment periods. I don’t know about you, but the idea of using the V.A.T.S system in VR gets me all kinds of excited.
Fallout 4 VR is available on the HTC Vive headset via Amazon (US only currently) or direct via SteamVR for $59.99 and will be available in Q4 of this year.
Unlike Fallout 4 VR, DOOM VFR (DOOM Virtual F***ing Reality) does away with the full version of the original game in favor of a series of predetermined activities that more fully utilize VR technology. This includes puzzle-solving elements using mechanical arms, exploration via drones and of course massive amounts of unadulterated carnage featuring an impressive array of powerful weaponry. The experience will feature teleportation-based movement which also appears to serve as the titles famous melee system allowing players to crush hordes of enemies with their own two hands. DOOM VFR will be available on Vive and PSVR this December. No word as of yet on Oculus Rift support.
So while it may not have been the epic press conference to end all press conferences, we still got the low-down on some truly exciting titles that’ll sure to be in every virtual reality enthusiasts catalogue.
We’ll be keeping up with all the latest VR & AR updates made during this chaotic E3 week so be sure to check back.
