Pocket Lands invites users to embark on a journey of creativity, allowing them to craft miniature worlds in mixed reality (MR) before diving into immersive virtual reality (VR) exploration. Set to launch in early access next month, this innovative title comes from Thomas van den Berge, the visionary behind the acclaimed VR painting application, Vermillion.
Creating and Exploring
In Pocket Lands, players can construct intricate dioramas within their own living spaces, resizing these creations to fit any environment. Utilizing hand tracking controls, users can effortlessly manipulate building materials, bringing their imaginative landscapes to life. At any moment, they can transition into first-person VR mode to explore the vibrant worlds they have designed.
The game’s reveal at the recent VR Games Showcase has generated excitement, particularly due to its similarities with Microsoft’s iconic Minecraft HoloLens demonstration from E3 2015. As anticipation builds, Pocket Lands is set to enter early access on December 11, offering players a variety of biomes to discover and explore, alongside multiple locomotion options in VR mode.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, van den Berge has ambitious plans for the full release, currently aimed for the second half of 2026. This version is expected to introduce a wealth of new features, including:
- Cave systems and underground biomes
- Additional surface biomes
- Creatures that inhabit the landscapes
- Multiplayer build battles with leaderboards
- Co-located and remote creative multiplayer experiences
As Pocket Lands prepares for its early access debut on the Meta Quest platform, the blend of creativity and exploration promises to captivate users, offering a unique experience that bridges the physical and digital realms.
