Virtual Reality Archives

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

Epic Games Store: New free puzzle game now available to download and keep forever on Android and iOS

Epic Games has announced a new partnership with a major tech company to bring exciting new features and updates to Fortnite. They are also expanding into the world of virtual reality with the development of a new VR game.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Ubisoft makes layoff at Red Storm

Ubisoft has announced a reduction in workforce at its Red Storm studio, eliminating 19 positions as part of a restructuring strategy for global cost efficiencies. The company emphasized the necessity of this move and stated that it is aligned with the studio's project needs. Ubisoft will provide severance packages, extended health-care benefits, and career transition assistance to those affected. The layoffs are specific to Red Storm, with no other studios facing cuts at this time. This is the second instance of workforce reductions at Red Storm, following layoffs in August 2024.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of virtual reality (VR) with everyday devices, highlighting advancements in VR headsets like the Quest 3, which features color passthrough. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while using VR. However, accessing smartphone notifications can be challenging in VR. To address this, Meta launched the Smart Connect app for the Quest 3, enabling users to stream and control their Motorola smartphones directly from the headset. Setting up Smart Connect involves downloading the app and syncing devices via a QR code. The app allows for app streaming, creating a phone-like interface in VR, and supports multiple apps. It also includes a desktop mode for a computer-like experience. However, users may face issues with app scaling, keyboard functionality, and navigation due to small interface elements. Overall, Smart Connect aims to enhance connectivity between smartphones and VR technology.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Employee Working On SteamVR Driver To Revive Windows MR Headsets

A Microsoft employee is developing a native SteamVR driver called "Oasis" to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, which lost functionality after the Windows 11 24H2 update eliminated support for these devices. The previous runtime that allowed Windows MR headsets to interface with SteamVR is now obsolete. Matthieu Bucchianeri, a software developer with experience at Sony and SpaceX, is leading this project, which involves deep reverse-engineering. The Oasis driver is currently compatible with Nvidia GPUs, and Bucchianeri is in talks with AMD for potential compatibility. He plans to release the driver for free in the fall.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Drywall Eating Simulator is a game about ‘interacting with society’ that takes me back to my retail days

The Summer Game Fest featured a game called Drywall Eating Simulator, unveiled during the Women Led Games Showcase on June 8. This physics-based 3D adventure game challenges players to eat drywall while navigating a world filled with various characters. The game incorporates humor and absurdity, and there is potential for virtual reality integration, allowing players to physically mimic actions from the game. Players are advised to maintain a safe distance from actual walls during gameplay.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Ghost Town Gets PC VR Demo Ahead Of Steam Next Fest

Ghost Town, a virtual reality puzzle adventure game developed by Fireproof Games, has released a demo on Steam ahead of its full PC VR launch. Originally launched on Quest in April, players assume the role of Edith Penrose, a witch-turned-ghost hunter, to solve the mystery of her brother's disappearance. The PC VR demo coincides with the upcoming Steam Next Fest. Ghost Town is also set to be released on PlayStation VR2 and Steam in 2025. The game received a review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, praised for its interactivity, visuals on Quest 3, and narrative.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

All the The Elder Scrolls games are up to 75% off in Bethesda’s weekend sale, with 20% off Oblivion Remastered

The Elder Scrolls series is currently experiencing heightened interest due to the release of Oblivion Remastered and updates from modding projects like Tamriel Rebuilt and Skyblivion. Bethesda has launched a sale on the entire Elder Scrolls catalog, with notable discounts including: - Oblivion Remastered at a 20% discount, now priced at £40, with the Deluxe version at £44. - The Elder Scrolls Online at £4, including the base game and Morrowind chapter. - Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition upgrade both priced at £8.74. - Skyrim VR at a 75% discount, now priced at £12.49. - The Elder Scrolls Redguard and An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire each at £1.95, reflecting a 60% discount. - Morrowind at a 60% discount, now priced at £5.19. The sale will be available throughout the weekend, concluding on Thursday, June 5.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

NDreams co-founder Patrick O’Luanaigh stepping down as CEO

Patrick O’Luanaigh will transition from CEO to Chairman of NDreams effective June 1st, with Tom Gillo, the current Chief Development Officer, becoming the new CEO. O’Luanaigh co-founded NDreams in 2006 and expressed pride in the company's growth. NDreams was acquired by Aonic Group for 0 million in 2023, but subsequently laid off 17.5 percent of its workforce nearly a year later.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Queens students advance in Minecraft esports competition ahead of NYC’s first-ever Video Game Festival

On May 5, over 270 students from Queens participated in the semi-finals of the 2025 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs at Thomas Edison High School. The event was organized by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, NYC Public Schools, and the National Esports Association. This year's competition saw 3,295 students submit 659 entries, a 37% increase from last year and more than double the participation from 2023. Participants used Minecraft Education to create models of a sustainable New York City. The winning teams from Queens are: - Elementary Division: Team Sigma from PS 24 Andrew Jackson, led by Kerry McGarvey and Principal Bani Singh. - Middle School Division: Neo NYC from J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker, coached by Ana Silva-Collins under Principal Michael Leung. - High School Division: Diamond Sword Bustamoney from World Journalism Preparatory School, guided by Ernest Lai and Principal Michael Roberts Bacchus. These teams will represent Queens in the Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Education finals during the NYC Video Game Festival at Convene Brookfield Place in Manhattan. The festival will feature esports competitions, virtual reality experiences, indie game demonstrations, cosplay contests, and a career expo focused on the digital games industry. Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión Jr. highlighted the event's role in promoting career-connected learning and the city's digital economy. The final round will take place on May 31.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Mojang has just killed support for Minecraft VR, an underrated but very flawed VR experience

Mojang has announced the discontinuation of VR support for Minecraft, with plans to cease support by March 2025 and a suspension of VR functionality that occurred in May. The transition away from VR has received mixed reactions, as the experience was often described as temperamental and underwhelming. Alternatives like Vivecraft, a fan-supported mod, allow players to enjoy Minecraft in VR on PCs, but come with challenges such as requiring additional setup and coordination among friends. The decision to discontinue support likely stems from Minecraft's evolving nature, which complicates development and leads to the obsolescence of older versions.