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In this week's digest:
• Meta Announces $50M Horizon Worlds Creator Fund
• Retronika Launches on Quest, Coming Soon to Steam VR
• Metro Awakening Falls Short of Financial Goals
• Meta Connect 2025 Dates Announced
• New Game From The Creators of Gorilla Tag Launches Early Access
• Toast Interactive Downsizes, Closes Office
• Silent North Brings Zombie Survival to VR
• Gibby's Guide on VRDB
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Image source: Meta
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Meta has announced a $50 million Creator Fund for Horizon Worlds, aiming to incentivize content creation on its social gaming platform. The announcement comes at a challenging time for many VR developers, as established studios struggle with changing market dynamics on the Quest platform.
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• Monthly bonuses based on world engagement and retention
• New desktop editor tool for streamlined development
• Focus on mobile and MR world creation
• Shift from traditional VR apps to connected experiences
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The fund represents Meta's growing investment in Horizon Worlds as its vision for the metaverse, while some developers of traditional VR apps report challenges with the platform's shifting focus and user demographics. Meta maintains that paid VR apps remain important but acknowledges a trend toward free-to-play experiences, citing successes like Gorilla Tag's $100 million in revenue.
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Sponsored
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Image source: 4Players Studios
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Get ready to rev up your hoverbike and dive into the neon-lit chaos of Retronika!
Retronika, the action-packed, story-driven VR adventure, has fully launched on the Meta Horizon Store for Quest users. Players can experience high-speed hoverbike combat, intense 3D movement, and vibrant cyberpunk cityscapes like never before. You can also wishlist the game on Steam. |
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High-Speed Hoverbike Combat
• Engage in intense aerial and ground battles with fluid 3D movement.
Expansive Cyberpunk Environments
• Explore a richly detailed, neon-infused world full of secrets and challenges.
Customizable Arsenal
• Upgrade weapons and modify your hoverbike to suit your playstyle.
Story-Driven Adventure
• Unravel a gripping narrative while battling formidable foes.
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Image source: Vertigo Studios Amsterdam / Plaion
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Embracer Group has revealed that Metro Awakening, while critically acclaimed and winning Steam's VR Game of the Year award, did not meet management's financial expectations. This news follows a similar pattern to Assassin's Creed Nexus VR's performance reported by Ubisoft last year.
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The game's strong reception across all platforms suggests that management expectations may have been unrealistically high for the current VR market. However, like other high-profile VR titles, Metro Awakening may achieve its target numbers through long-term sales.
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Image source: Meta
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Meta has announced its flagship XR conference, Meta Connect 2025, will take place on September 17-18, 2025. The company is also introducing Llamacon, a separate AI-focused developer conference, scheduled for April 29, 2025, marking a strategic split between its XR and AI initiatives.
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• Meta Connect focused on VR/MR developers and content creators
• New Llamacon event dedicated to AI developments
• Expected focus on AI and AR glasses hardware
• Plans for "half a dozen" AI-powered wearables in 2025
• Potential updates on Oakley AI glasses and Orion AR project
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While no new VR hardware is expected to be announced in 2025, Meta Connect will continue to showcase Horizon updates and provide XR developers with tools for building "the next computing platform." The introduction of a separate AI conference reinforces Meta's commitment to both AI and metaverse initiatives.
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Image source: Another Axiom
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Another Axiom, the studio behind VR hit Gorilla Tag, is opening early access for their new zero-gravity sports game Orion Drift on February 25th. The game, which has been in closed testing since September, brings Echo VR-style gameplay to Quest with some unique twists.
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• Uses Gorilla Tag's signature arm-swinging locomotion
• Supports up to 200 players simultaneously
• Features soccer matches, obstacle courses, and golf
• Includes level editor and custom server support
• Customizable space stations and game modes
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Players can customize their robot avatars and explore a massive space station social hub, with the ability to host private servers and create custom game modes. The game aims to fill the void left by Echo VR's shutdown while adding its own unique social and creative elements.
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Image source: Toast Interactive
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Australian VR studio Toast Interactive, known for Richie's Plank Experience and Max Mustard, has announced significant downsizing including office closure and staff redundancies. This follows earlier layoffs in November when the studio struggled to "sustain a large indie team."
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• Majority of staff made redundant
• Studio will continue supporting existing games
• Richie's Plank Experience PSVR2 release still "99% sure"
• Max Mustard development to continue with smaller team
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Co-founders Toni and Richard Eastes expressed their heartbreak over the decision, praising their team's accomplishments and promising to "continue to improve Richie's Plank Experience and Max Mustard with a leaner approach."
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Image source: Combat Waffle Studios
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From the creators of Ghosts of Tabor comes Silent North, a new PvPvE VR survival shooter set in the harsh Alpine environment. Developed by Combat Waffle Studios and published by Beyond Frames Entertainment, the game enters early access on March 20th for both Quest and Steam platforms. |
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• Fight for survival against zombies and other players
• Manage resources, warmth, and sustenance
• Dynamic day/night cycle affects gameplay
• Form alliances or go solo
• 15% pre-order discount available now
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We're excited to announce our partnership with Gibby's Guide, the ultimate companion for Meta Quest users! This comprehensive guide, trusted by over 1.5 million VR enthusiasts, is now also available for free on VRDB.
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• 200+ pages of VR content and tutorials
• 300+ curated game reviews
• 50 mixed reality experiences
• Essential setup guides and power user tips
• Regular updates with the latest Quest news
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Thank you for reading!
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We heard you loud and clear, you want to keep the mix of news, hardware, and games. We'll keep it that way! 🎯
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