Usually, big videogame developers try fairly hard to keep projects under wraps until they’re at a stage to fully roll out their marketing strategy. But occasions do occur where this can come undone by simple business requirements, job listings for example. Another looks to have come to light recently thanks to the Australian Classifications website detailing a virtual reality (VR) title by Doom developer id Software called Project 2021A.
As this is just a simple listings page there aren’t many details other than an
R 18+ rating because of its ‘high impact violence’. Another interesting detail to note is the ‘online interactivity’. Instantly, it’s easy to jump to several theories considering this is an id Software production published by Bethesda Softworks, the first being a new Doom.
Doom Eternal launched last year to great success across PC and console. Alongside its blistering campaign, there’s a multiplayer element as well, so it could well be possible that Project 2021A brings the franchise back into VR in some form. Let’s not forget that id Software dipped its toes into VR back in 2017 with Doom VFR and Bethesda has released several VR videogames as well.
Or then there’s the longshot which would probably make a lot of gamers happy, Quake. id Software’s online multiplayer is just as legendary as Doom, so it would be great to see this particular title get an immersive makeover. The only issue on that front would be whether the studio considers VR to have a big enough user base to warrant development.
The Project 2021A codename suggests development may still be in the early stages so VRFocus would expect to hear more concrete details regarding the project later in the year.
Back in September 2020, it was announced that Bethesda Softworks and its parent company Zenimax Media were being acquired by Microsoft, bringing them under the Xbox banner. They join the likes of inXile Entertainment which was acquired in 2018 and recently released online multiplayer Frostpoint VR: Proving Grounds.
The possibility of a new Doom or Quake in VR is certainly exciting. As further details emerge, VRFocus will let you know.