Beat Saber headlines a revitalization in VR gaming with its latest update amid growing interest from Steam Frame users.
The VR scene is stirring with renewed energy as Beat Saber announces its “biggest update ever,” coinciding neatly with the release of Steam’s new VR headset, the Steam Frame. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, Beat Saber will include a new mode called Flux, which trades the iconic sabers for hand-tracking, allowing players to punch, prod, and slap through notes barehanded. This move not only showcases a technical advancement with its hand-tracking feature but also aligns with the increased interest in VR sparked by the Steam Frame’s capabilities. While details on how exactly the new mode affects gameplay are sparse, it stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of VR gaming experiences.
Industry Changes: Heart Machine Layoffs
In less uplifting news, Heart Machine, the studio behind the acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter, faces a major setback. The company has laid off nearly all its staff following the withdrawal of funding from an undisclosed publisher for their next game project. The sudden cut reveals the precarious nature of mid-sized game studios relying heavily on specific partnerships. For fans and employees of Heart Machine, the future seems uncertain, and this event underscores the volatility present in the video game industry, where even well-established studios are at risk.
GTA and Call of Duty Updates
On the broader gaming landscape, PCGamesN reports that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 will bring players back to Vice City. This confirmation breathes new life into the Grand Theft Auto franchise, setting expectations for a return to the glitzy, gritty world that fans have long adored. Furthermore, Call of Duty: Warzone is refining its aesthetic through a new “cosmetic toggle” feature, as highlighted by PC Gamer. This functionality allows players to disable legacy skins, opting instead to view current operator designs, which might help streamline the game’s visual experience all while cleaning up the visually noisy aesthetic style built over numerous crossovers.
Final Fantasy 14 and Indie Highlights
The MMORPG landscape sees a busy period ahead with Final Fantasy 14‘s Evercold expansion on the horizon, setting players into a frenzy to prepare. Meanwhile, indie game developers continue to innovate uniquely themed experiences, as evidenced by Probably Stolen, a demo that allows players to take on the role of a cyberpunk shopkeeper, offering a mix of survival and economic strategy.
While the week offers a mix of exciting announcements and sobering industry reflections, it highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving world of PC gaming. For players, the slate of upcoming releases, updates, and shifts in game development strategies promise to keep the community engaged and on their toes.
