Fast Travel Games recently launched its new VR first-person shooter/hide-and-seek game, Mannequin, on the Quest Store and Steam. This marks the studio’s first multiplayer title and the first original game developed in-house since 2019. The game, which had been in early access on the Quest 3, now features crossplay and custom modes. GamesBeat had the opportunity to play the game and interview Fast Travel’s CEO about the release of this new IP.
Fast Travel has been involved in creating VR titles for several years, with recent games based on Paradox Interactive properties like Cities VR, Ghost Signals: A Stellaris Game, and Vampire: The Masquerade — Justice. Additionally, the studio publishes VR titles from other developers, including 2024’s Project Demigod by Omnifarious Studios. Mannequin stands out as one of Fast Travel’s own original properties.
Before its official release, GamesBeat had the opportunity to experience the gameplay of Mannequin. The game combines elements of hide-and-seek and freeze tag, with one team playing Agents and the other team playing as Mannequins. Agents search for frozen humans in the levels, while Mannequins pose as frozen humans and try to avoid being detected. It’s a thrilling competition where each side aims to outwit the other.
I had the chance to play both sides during the preview, and each side offers a unique experience. Playing as a Mannequin requires clever posing and blending in with the environment, while playing as an Agent feels like being in a horror game protagonist’s shoes.
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Fast Travel on making its first original multiplayer title
GamesBeat also sat down with Oskar Burman, CEO of Fast Travel Games, to discuss the development and launch of Mannequin. Burman shared that the concept of posing was a key inspiration for the game’s creation. He mentioned, “We had this great idea of posing… Mixing that with a multiplayer component, that basically turned into Mannequin.” The team began prototyping the game three years ago, emphasizing rapid ideation and experimentation. Burman expressed enthusiasm for returning to developing original IPs after publishing games based on existing properties.
Burman highlighted the shift in the VR gaming market towards longer, immersive experiences. He noted the growing interest in multiplayer games within VR and the diverse audience that Mannequin aims to attract. The game caters to both casual players seeking social interactions and hardcore VR enthusiasts looking for challenging gameplay.
