News
One modder is making $20,000 a month with VR versions of Elden Ring and Horizon // The Verge
This is a story from last year but it's still an interesting glimpse into how one indie developer has made a place for themself within the modding community, focusing on traditional and VR games. This is a really good look into a side of game development we don't hear too often.
Experiences
Nigerian Artist Edward Madojemu Combines Comics Art with VR Storytelling in ‘Mescaform Hill: The Missing Five’ // Oculus Blog
Based on a webcomic this mystery/thriller feels like it takes place in a well thought out world, and tells a story bigger than some would think possible in this medium. They've especially done a fine job focusing the viewer on the story while letting them also choose their own vantage point. It's best enjoyed in VR, but if you don't have your Quest handy it's also viewable in a web browse, but we recommend getting our your headset for this one.
Reading
How a Solo Indie Developer Built the Best Rated Game on Oculus Quest // Road to VR
Cubism is a solo puzzle solving game that is still one of the top rated apps on Meta Quest 3 years after its release. When it was released there was a good interview from the game's solo indie developer (Thomas Van Bouwel) that is worth a read to learn a bit about how they pulled everything together to make this very rewarding game happen.
Gaming
République VR on Oculus Quest 2 // Oculus
Before officially becoming a member of Oculus Studios the studio released a TV game that was something that felt as fulfilling as a game on a console. This work also might have been what helped then win and deliver one of the most successful games available on the Quest, Iron Man VR. They certainly have come a long way from their Kickstarter roots.
Slink & Snatch: Tales of Thievery // Venturion VR
We came across this indie VR stealth game when they started sharing development progress on Twitter back in June, and it's starting to look like something we'd want to buy. Be sure to check them out, and if you're also intrigued perhaps join their Discord or volunteer to be a tester.
Gorilla Tag | Free on Oculus Quest | Become Monke
We haven't mentioned this game since issue 34 but it's officially made it onto the Quest and Steam stores, and enjoys a near perfect rating from users. Made by the indie studio Another Axiom it innovated locomotion in VR by letting you move like a monkey using your hands in a very physical way.
Commentary
Gaming is always one of the more obvious use cases for virtual reality, and we must admit that we love a good game. We also love a good success story, and behind most of the games we currently enjoy in VR there are the stories of the indie studios that created something amazing with much less resources, time, experience, or budget than you'd think.
Talent and dedication goes a long way, and we wanted to take this issue to share some VR games we've enjoyed playing or eagerly following their development this year and call out the studios that made them possible.
Thank you for reading and subscribing, and we'll see you next week!
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