Meta Horizon Plus is teaming up with Xbox to bring the "starter edition" Xbox Game Pass, which includes a library of 50+ games, to VR users on Quest headsets.
Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows for greater software flexibility. This transition requires a complete OS overhaul and may result in performance issues due to reliance on generic AMD graphics drivers, as Valve does not provide official support for Windows on the Steam Machine. Users have encountered a hardware issue known as the “Red Bar of Death,” which can often be resolved through power resets and ensuring proper ventilation. The upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is designed to operate independently of a PC, featuring standalone capabilities and enhanced SteamOS integration, but its success will depend on competitive pricing and developer support. The Steam Machine faces challenges such as high pricing, aging hardware, and limited official support, impacting its competitiveness in the gaming market.
- Facebook bought Oculus in 2014 and rebranded to Meta in 2021 to become a metaverse leader.
- VR gaming is evolving towards social and communication platforms.
- The success of VR games is driven by community feedback and player involvement.
- Social VR games are becoming more popular, with a focus on creating and sharing content on social media platforms.
- Games like Scary Baboon blend familiar mechanics with horror elements and emphasize cooperative gameplay rather than competition.
Pimax is offering a 2% discount on its Crystal Light and Crystal Super VR headsets, along with a complimentary accessory bundle valued at 0. The Crystal Super has a resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye, while the Crystal Light has a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye. The Crystal Super is priced at 9 (down from 9), and the Crystal Light is available for 9, with both discounts applicable using the code "pcgamesn." The offer is valid until the end of May and is available globally.
Developer Innerspace has launched its solo co-op secret agent thriller, Spymaster, in Early Access on Quest and Steam to gather community feedback for refinement before the full release. The game features innovative mechanics, including a time-rewinding device called C.A.S.S.E.T.T.E., allowing players to adjust their actions during parkour-infused missions. Each mission includes side objectives that can also utilize this mechanic. Game Director Jeremy Moirano expressed optimism about the VR market and the importance of community input in developing the game. Spymaster is priced at .99.
Forefront.AC is a new VR game developed by the same developers as Breachers, set in the year 2035 with 32-player battlegrounds and two game modes. Players can choose from four classes and pilot various vehicles, with semi-destructible environments. The game has been in early access and has seen significant improvements leading up to its version 1.0 release, including the addition of a combat bow. The game provides an immersive experience with easy communication between teammates built into the headset.
SkyLeap, developed by Xocus, is a parkour action game that has transitioned from PlayStation VR2 to Meta Quest and PC VR via Steam. It features various modes, including Time Trials and Endless Mode, and includes leaderboards, weapon upgrades, and cosmetic customizations. The game has received two updates since its launch, reflecting ongoing development. SkyLeap is priced at .99 on both Meta Quest and Steam.
Pirates VR has been released on standalone VR platforms a year after its initial PC VR launch. The game has received significant updates since its original review in 2025, including improvements to combat mechanics, motion controls for swimming, and enhanced enemy AI. Players can now toggle dialogue from a parrot companion, and new narrative elements have been added. The Quest version uses optimization techniques like Application Spacewarp and fixed foveated rendering, which affect performance and visual quality. The introductory scene showcases advancements in graphics, with dynamic lighting and improved environmental details. While some graphical quality has been reduced, the overall experience remains immersive, with better water rendering compared to other Quest titles. The game is priced at .99 on Steam and PlayStation VR2, and .99 on Meta Quest 3/3S.
- Demeo x D&D: Battlemarked is a VR game that combines the turn-based strategy card battler Demeo with the universe of Dungeons & Dragons.
- The game is available on Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation platforms in VR and non-VR versions, allowing cross-platform play.
- Players can use a co-location feature to play the game together in the same room, creating a virtual board game experience.
- The game features stat-based random encounters, environmental hazards, enemies, and dialog choices that players can vote on.
- Demeo x D&D has two full campaigns, three "one-shot" campaigns, and maintains the Demeo style of combat and movement while incorporating elements of D&D.
- The game has received praise for its visuals, dialogue, voice acting, and gameplay, making it a favorite VR game of the year.
Valve's new VR headset, Steam Frame, can play games in various ways, including streaming PC VR games, emulating PC VR games on its own Arm-chip, or playing native Arm games in the form of .apk files. There is a possibility that if you purchase a game for your gaming PC, you may also be offered the .apk version for free to use on the Steam Frame. The addition of OpenXR support may make it easier to get virtual reality games working on different devices.
