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I-Illusions Announces Closed Beta For ‘Hall-Scale’ VR Shooter Space Pirate Arena On Oculus Quest

The developer behind Space Pirate Arena returns with a new competitive multiplayer shooter. 

Not even a quarter into the new year and 2020 is already shaping up to be the year of arena-scale VR games. Over the past few months we’ve seen the release of numerous location-based VR games on the Oculus Quest, including Triton VR, MissionX, and Cyberaction Arena.

Today, celebrated VR developer I-Illusions announced a closed beta for its own shared-space Oculus Quest game, Space Pirate Arena. Originally revealed this past August, the “hall-scale” competitive shooter pits two players against one other in a futuristic shootout where they must physically run to cover and dodge incoming fire in order to survive.

https://twitter.com/i_illusions/status/1241037031393964032

Despite sharing several visual similarities with Space Pirate Trainer, Space Pirate Arena is completely independent of the original genre-defining shooter. 

According to the official FAQ sheet, Space Pirate Arena will require at least 10x10m of open space in order to play, though a 12x12m space (half a tennis court) is recommended as to provide some extra buffer room. In the future, the company hopes to introduce support for larger spaces, including ad hoc levels.

(Image Credit: I-Illusions)

The closed beta will support 1v1 matches at launch, with players connecting to a server application operated via a personal computer. This removes the need for a stable internet connection, allowing players to connect via hotspot and duke it out in locations devoid of any Wi-Fi. Tennis courts, gymnasiums, well-shaded parks, pretty much any open area not exposed to direct sunlight. 

Those interested can sign up for a chance at participating in the closed beta here. Testers will need two Oculus Quest headsets, a computer, and at least 10x10m of open space in order to play.

Though it’s true we’ve seen the release of numerous arena-scale VR games on the Oculus Quest this year, Space Pirate Arena represents one of the first attempts at a location-based VR game on the Oculus Quest by an established VR developer. As someone who’s recently spent a large amount of time in various location-based Quest games, I personally can’t wait to see what I-Illusions has up its sleeve for this ambitious new venture. 

Feature Image Credit: I-Illusions

About the Scout

Former Writer (Kyle Melnick)

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