This year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Los Angeles, is rapidly approaching, with expectations of the next wave of virtual reality (VR) videogame entertainment riding high. The success of the PlayStation VR and revamped, untethered offerings from both Oculus VR and HTC Vive have breathed new life into the slowly maturing industry, and so VRFocus has taken the time to consider what could be coming next from each of the key videogame publishers.
While the likes of Rockstar Games, 2K Games, Bandai Namco Games and Activision could well be producing more VR videogames and experiences, it’s difficult to predict exactly which route they’ll take; will they continue adapting or expanding existing franchises into VR? Or will they follow Ubisoft’s bold move of creating brand new IP?
Rockstar Games’ hugely successful adaptation of 2011’s L.A. Noire into 2017’s L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files suggests there’s room in older titles for VR to breathe new life into them, however Bandai Namco Games’ perpetually delayed Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown conversely states that new titles with VR gameplay included can bring about new invention just as easily. Whether or not the former will have anything new for VR to show at this year’s E3 – especially given the upcoming Red Dead Redemption II launch – remains unknown, however the latter will surely offer another playable outing for their aerial combat experience.
And then of course there’s Sega and Nintendo; the once ardent rivals both taking a very different approach to VR. While Sega has been cautiously optimistic – slowly introducing popular b-list brands into the VR fold – Nintendo has constantly downplayed the capabilities of modern VR in achieving the company’s gameplay agenda. Some would suggest they’re right to do so, while other might remark that this is simply a casual avoidance of the fact that the Nintendo Switch isn’t powerful enough to deliver a compelling VR experience.
Below you’ll find discussion pieces for each of the major player in VR that are likely to give us something new to talk about, whether it be revisiting old worlds or challenging entirely new genres. VRFocus will of course be on the show floor throughout E3; bringing you all the latest VR news as it happens.
What to Expect at E3 2018: Sony’s PlayStation VR – After two strong years, expectations for Sony’s PlayStation VR showing at E3 are high.
What to Expect at E3 2018: Ubisoft’s VR Games – Ubisoft still have two announced VR titles coming, will we see any new reveals at E3 2018?
What to Expect at E3 2018: Oculus VR – With new hardware out the door, surely we can expect a grand showing from VR pioneer Oculus?
What to Expect at E3 2018: Bethesda’s VR Games – Bethesda is likely to expand upon its VR success in 2018.
What to Expect at E3 2018: HTC Vive – Will we get a Vive Focus North American and European launch date announcement?