EVE: Valkyrie developer CCP Games is certainly having an odd month when it comes to virtual reality (VR). A few days ago the studio announced it was backing away from the technology and today its announced the launch date of virtual eSport Sparc for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Originally released for PlayStation VR back in August, Sparc will now arrive for the PC-based head-mounted displays (HMDs) on 16th November.
Sparc is a skill-based, physical sport, where two players use their motion controllers to aim and throw projectiles at each other inside a virtual arena, all the while defending themselves by dodging, blocking, or deflecting incoming attacks from their opponent. With the addition of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive Sparc will offer cross-platform gameplay – just like EVE: Valkyrie – allowing more players to come into the fold.
“Our goal is to get Sparc into as many hands and onto as many faces as possible,” said Morgan Godat, the game’s executive producer at CCP Games. “Having cross-play between PlayStation 4 and PC means nobody has to worry about their platform of choice.”
Sparc offers one-on-one matches with friends online, or the option to find opponents via matchmaking. There are multiple two-player game modes and three different arenas, plus a broad range of customisation options so players can personalise the compression suit, headgear and knuckle guards.
If you need to take a break from the action then there’s always ‘Courtside’, Sparc’s freeform social area that allows for spectating in VR, meeting opponents and queuing up the next match. Additionally, there are solo challenges where players can take part in a series of timed events that test throwing and deflection accuracy, helping improve their skills and preparing them for human opponents.
As mentioned, CCP Games is now winding down its VR development, closing down CCP Atlanta and selling off CCP Newcastle. While the company is still optimistic about VR, the release of Sparc looks like it’ll be the last for a while as the company shifts focus to more PC and mobile phone videogames.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of CCP Games, reporting back with any further VR updates.