Over a decade ago, virtual reality was on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in interactive mediums. Developers were pushing VR users to explore immersive worlds with unprecedented fidelity. Now, with mainstream VR options like the Meta Quest and PlayStation VR 2 available, these worlds are increasingly shared with other players. While single-player titles like Asgard’s Wrath II still attract critical acclaim, VR is leaning towards multiplayer experiences in games like Rec Room, Phasmophobia, Among Us, and Breachers. Despite being a technology often associated with isolation, VR is carving out a niche for itself in collaborative gameplay.
Alberto Moreno, former Global Head of Marketing and Producer at Tokyo-based MyDearest, believes this shift towards multiplayer VR is a natural progression fueled by the growing adoption of VR. He states, “It’s more than just a trend. Due to the increase in VR users in recent years, VR multiplayer has become more viable, making it easier, albeit still challenging, for multiplayer games to sustain a decent player base and flourish.”
This shift mirrors the broader gaming landscape where multiplayer games-as-a-service have long been a driving force of success across consoles, mobile, and PC. Games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Grand Theft Auto Online thrive on multiplayer interactions. With VR now reaching a userbase capable of supporting large player bases, it is following a path similar to traditional gaming, albeit at an accelerated pace.
For developers entering the VR space, the trajectory has changed. Successful single-player titles usually receive updates before developers move on to the next project. In contrast, multiplayer games require ongoing focus on community engagement and iteration for sustained success. With VR technology evolving rapidly, developing a multiplayer game becomes a race against time to keep up with hardware improvements and changing player expectations.
Developing a stable multiplayer VR game comes with its challenges beyond scalability. Maintaining a consistent frame rate is crucial in VR to prevent player discomfort. Moreno explains, “VR demands a stable 72 FPS to avoid motion sickness, which becomes particularly challenging in multiplayer scenarios where numerous variables can impact performance.”
Additionally, VR developers must account for shorter play sessions and the physical demands of VR gaming, which can affect player engagement and matchmaking in multiplayer games. Moreno emphasizes the importance of social elements in multiplayer VR games, noting that the trend leans towards creating social experiences rather than purely competitive ones.
In conclusion, focusing on multiplayer trends in VR development positions games for the next wave of VR players seeking immersive social experiences. This strategic shift eliminates guesswork and aligns game development with evolving player preferences.
Disclaimer: The author of this article worked at MyDearest on the game Brazen Blaze from 2022 through 2023.
