In a significant shift for the gaming community, Mojang, the creative force behind the beloved Minecraft franchise, has confirmed that support for PlayStation VR headsets will cease in March 2025. This announcement marks a broader trend, as the studio has also decided to discontinue support for PC VR headsets, including popular devices such as the Meta Quest, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. The details of this transition were unveiled in the latest Bedrock changelog, a revelation that was promptly noted by UploadVR.
The journey of Minecraft in the realm of virtual reality began with the introduction of Samsung Gear VR headsets back in 2016, followed by the addition of Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR support. However, recent years have suggested a growing reluctance from Mojang to invest in augmented or mixed reality adaptations of the game. A notable example of this shift occurred in June 2021, when Microsoft made the decision to shut down Minecraft Earth, an augmented reality mobile game that had been positioned as a competitor to Pokémon Go.
Shifting Focus in Gaming
This evolution in strategy reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, where developers are increasingly focusing on core gameplay experiences rather than expanding into the complexities of augmented and mixed reality platforms. As Minecraft continues to thrive in its traditional formats, the decision to step back from VR support may allow Mojang to concentrate its resources on enhancing the game’s primary offerings and ensuring a more streamlined experience for its vast player base.
