Rez, Tetris Effect Dev ‘Very Interested’ In PSVR 2, Humanity Still MIA

The developer of VR-supported hits like Rez and Tetris Effect says he’s “very interested” in making a PSVR 2 game.

Speaking to VGC, Tetsuya Mizuguchi of Enhance hinted that he can’t “say anything very specific” about Sony’s new device just yet, but is “thinking about how we can push VR, so we’re very interested in new hardware and how we’re looking to make VR games better. We’re very interested in the PSVR 2.”

Producer Mark MacDonald, meanwhile, suggested that Tetris Effect itself is still not on platforms that the studio would like it to be on. Could we possibly see the game come to PS5 with PSVR 2 support? We thought the game was a masterful take on a classic that made for a rich VR experience, so we’d certainly welcome a high fidelity port.

Enhance is also currently helping work on Humanity, a unique experience involving thousands of people in crowds walking around levels. It’s still not clear exactly how the game is played but it was initially confirmed for PS4 with PSVR support. The project’s been heavily delayed with no mention of it in this week’s coverage; could we possibly see a jump to PS5 and PSVR 2?

We’ll keep a close eye on the situation but we’re not likely to hear more until Sony itself is ready to give away more PSVR 2 details. Last week we saw a smattering of new games announced for the headset, but no confirmation of a release date just yet.

What Tetsuya Mizuguchi games would you like to see on PSVR 2? Let us know in the comments below!

Tetsuya Mizuguchi: Quest 2 Tripled Tetris Effect Active Users, New Project Teased

Monthly active users of Tetris Effect have tripled since the release of the Oculus Quest 2, Tetsuya Mizuguchi of Enhance Games has revealed.

Speaking to Famitsu magazine (as translated through Google), Mizuguchi described the growth as “remarkable”, adding: “since the release of Quest 2, the number of monthly active users [for Tetris Effect] has tripled. The numbers clearly show that many users are playing with Quest 2.”

The developer didn’t specify if Quest 2 (where Tetris Effect plays best) has tripled the number of users simply on that platform or for the game as a whole – Tetris Effect is now available on practically every platform both in and out of VR.

“I feel that VR is starting to reach a layer that we didn’t expect. It seems that the number of people who are really ordinary people and do not play so many games, but want to try VR has increased,” he added.

Last week Facebook revealed that more than 60 developers had made over $1 million on the Quest platform since the launch of the original headset in 2019. Mizuguchi didn’t specifically confirm it, but these numbers suggest Tetris Effect could be among those titles.

Enhance published Tetris Effect along with another classic game modernized for VR – Rez Infinite. Currently the team is also working on Humanity, another game with optional PSVR support. But Mizuguchi also revealed that the team’s next project will expand on the Area X level introduced in Rez Infinite. “In particular, “Area X” of “Rez Infinite” was developed as a “prologue to the next work”, so that concept was developed with the concept of the next generation and XR technology to improve the overall resolution,” he said. “I want to raise it and make more detailed games.”

Rez Infinite Is Coming To Oculus Quest Headsets This October

Confirmed today at Facebook Connect, the classic psychedelic rail shooter Rez Infinite is coming to the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 on October 13.

The original Rez released in 2001 for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, but was re-released as Rez Infinite (with VR support and some new content) for the PlayStation 4 and PC a few years ago. Now, Rez Infinite is making a move over to Facebook’s Quest platform, releasing for both the original Quest and Quest 2 on the latter’s launch day next month. The game is a “mind-blowing synesthesia” experience that mixes rail shooting action, a techno music soundtrack and some stunning visuals.

Just like on PC VR and PSVR, Rez Infinite will feature the five areas from the original Rez game, plus an extra area developed specifically for VR called Area X. The new area was so stunning back in 2016 that it made the game’s creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, cry.

Mizuguchi is also known for his more recent release, Tetris Effect, which took classic Tetris gameplay and turned it into an amazing audio-visual experience, similar to Rez. Tetris Effect launched on PS4 and PC VR first in 2019, with optional VR support, but only released on Oculus Quest a few months ago. A multiplayer expansion is now in the works and Mizuguchi is also working on a new game with VR support called Humanity.

Rez Infinite releases October 13 for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 — the price has yet to be confirmed. The game is available now for PSVR, and PC VR through the SteamVR and Oculus stores.

Tetris Effect Comes To PC VR Exclusively From The Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store is getting Tetris Effect exclusive to its PC marketplace for a time with support listed for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Tetris Effect topped some best of 2018 game lists with its console debut on PlayStation 4 and PSVR headsets. We rated it 8/10 and Jamie Feltham praised the combination of music and visuals which “lull you it into a soothing sense of security, encasing you in a bubble of graphical splendor before ripping you out of it and into something much more demanding.”

Tetris Effect for PC is pitched by publisher Enhance as the “ultimate” version of the game with no artificial limits on resolution (“4K or more”), or frame rate. The PC version also adds new graphical options “including adjustable particle volume and size, texture filtering, and more.” It releases July 23 via the Epic Games Store with a 20 percent discount and downloadable content (a soundtrack sampler and wallpapers) included during the pre-order period and first two weeks of availability.

Enhance lists VR support as including “standard gamepads, Vive Controllers, and Oculus Remote and Touch controllers.” So while the game should be playable with the simple media controller from the original 2016 consumer Rift, there’s also no mention of support for much newer headsets or controllers. Valve’s Index VR headset, for example, can run visual modes at 120 or 144 frames per second with best in class comfort that could make multi-hour play sessions more appealing. That is, if Tetris Effect works with the system. It is possible more VR headsets, like Microsoft’s Windows-based HMDs, could work through OpenXR compatibility modes. There’s no indication that’s the case, though, so we’ll have to wait for hands-on reports.

The Creator of Rez: Infinite On The Future Of Virtual Reality & The Entertainment Industry

Big fans of the Rez, the musical rail shooter that was released on the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 will be a big fan of Rez: Infinite. Remastered and made specifically for virtual reality (VR), it was ultimately what Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the creator of the videogame and CEO of Enhance Games, dreamed of when he imagined it in his head. Rez: Infinite received a score of 89 on Metacritic for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR, with the newly released version on PC for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift scoring 91. VRFocus spoke to Mizuguchi about the success of Rez: Infinite and what the future holds for VR.

Rez: Infinite is a shooter, with the objective of saving the world by shooting viruses in cyberspace. The game is a surreal synergy between audio and imagery, completely on-rails as you watch your avatar flying through cyber particles in black space. The title supports HTC Vive motion controllers, Oculus Touch, Oculus Remote and a normal PC gamepad. With the help of these controllers you shoot at enemies as they come towards you and as you take them down, they make a beautiful choreographed sound with the music surrounding around you. Mizuguchi describes it as visually seeing the music. Mizuguchi is very keen on the concept of Synethesia, with Enhance Games developing a Synethesia Suit, with a new version in development.

According to Mizuguchi the order of the videogames is 1) Rez, 2) Child of Eden, whilst 3) is an upcoming videogame, which is hinted at in Area X of Rez: Infinite. Mitzuguchi believes that the mixing of interactivity of VR, sound and visuals is creating a new form of storytelling in gaming but in the entertainment industry as well. He explains that with every new technology, a new idea or influence arises. The introduction of Microsoft Kinect title Child of Eden, the spiritual sequel to Rez whilst VR led to the making of Rez: Infinite. Mizuguchi is now waiting for newer technology to bring out the next big videogame, but says he needs time, money and a great time to put together.

He believes that in 10 years we will have head-mounted displays (HMD) with 8K for each eye, and this will be the moment where seeing through a HMD would almost be identical to real-life. He thinks VR is just the beginning, it will merge with augmented reality and mixed reality as well as newer technologies to create a new medium. Mizuguchi is extremely excited when thinking about the future. He believes that videogame developers who are looking to make future videogames or experiences should look at mixing sound with haptics and sound to create the next generation of storytelling to create new experiences.

To find out more watch our very active interview below.

REZ Infinite’s ‘Area X’ is a Hint of What’s Coming Next

REZ Infinite made its virtual reality (VR) debut last year on PlayStation VR, and subsequently arrived on PC head-mounted displays (HMDs), the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, earlier this month. With the videogame having been met with a great deal of critical acclaim Enhance Games would be foolish to not consider delivering more REZ to such a keen audience, and franchise creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi is already hinting at what’s coming next.

Rez Infinite AreaX 02“We have many plans and talking about REZ Infinite; ‘Area X’ is like a prologue to the next future REZ, and so this is just the beginning. So I’m thinking what is the next REZ experience,” stated Mizuguchi in an interview with VRFocus at Gamescom, Cologne. “I’m waiting for the new technology.”

When questioned about what technology this might be, Mizuguchi seemed particularly interested in the possibility of mixed reality (MR) devices.

“Maybe yes, maybe yes. But the new technology gives the influence to our ideas and inspiration. When we got [Xbox] Kinect a few years ago, [we said] okay let’s make a conductor experience with synesthesia, so we decided to make Child of Eden with Ubisoft.

“PSP –  this is a new technology 15 years ago – ideas like Lumines; easy puzzle game with music. All the time it’s like that. VR is like this (pointing to REZ Infinite).”

Referring back to Child of Eden, Mizuguchi stated that the timeline for REZ offers yet more hints as to what his plans for the future of the franchise might be.

Child of EdenChild of Eden is like a spiritual sequel to REZ; so REZ, Child of Eden, what is next? So if you play ‘Area X’ you can feel something new hint to the next one.”

Mizuguchi goes on to discuss the future of VR, his hopes for improving hardware but also what the future may contain for other emerging mediums.

“Maybe VR is just the beginning? Merging into MR and AR and very exciting thinking about the future.”

REZ Infinite is available now for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest VR titles from Enhance Games, including the full interview with Mizuguchi-san coming soon.

Mizuguchi: ‘I will definitely continue evolution’ of Synesthesia Suit

Enhance Games’ Rez Infinite was well received when it arrived for PlayStation VR last year as a followup to the original Dreamcast title. Fans of the experience – and regular VRFocus readers – will also have heard of (or maybe even tried) the studio’s Synesthesia Suit, a device designed to enhance the experience with haptics. Development is continuing on the suit says creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi, past the current 2.0 version.

Mizuguchi spoke with PlayStation Blog Japan about Rez Infinite and the suit’s continued iterations since the original concept. While the original suit was designed specifically for Rez Infinite, it didn’t properly support the newer experimental Area X, which is where 2.0 comes in: (translated from Japanese) “I was thinking of integrating inner and outer first. Also, it was a big mission of 2.0 that we want Area X to be experienced in a suit. We have already announced overseas, and there was a big reaction in “SXSW 2017” (“South by Southwest”, music, movie, interactive festival held in Austin, USA).”

Synesthesia Suit-rezinfinite-11

One of the main additions to the Synesthesia Suit 2.0 is its new vibration feedback, to better suit Area X: “I think I actually felt it, but I increased the type and made it a bit stronger. I’d like to add more improvements and I am continuing tuning.

“While the original “Rez” musicality is techno, Area X is more emotional and organic. Vibration design throughout the whole story is going on, but I think that it will be a very emotional experience once the ending is complete.”

The developer then reveals that he’s been having ideas for the next version, with a possible look to a possible home version (there’s only been one version of the suit shown at events). “The idea of ​​3.0 is also in my mind and I am thinking how to make it realized. Although ordinary games are often goal to be released, “Rez Infinite” is quite the opposite. Many things have started since the moment of release. I would like to extend the “Rez Infinite” VR experience by experiments of Sinastadia Suit. I think that I will definitely continue evolution in the future.”

“That’s still a secret. Because it stops stopping when it states (laugh). However, there are many things I want to do and I am gradually moving forward to realize it at the shortest.

“Although Sinastadia suit is studying in the form of industry-academia collaboration with Rysomatics and the Graduate School of Media Design Graduate School of Keio University, even if the content “Rez Infinite” is at the beginning, it is just for that But I also have a feeling for the future of VR.

“We will certainly come to this era when casual users can taste at home. How quickly can it be realized? Research on Sinastadia Suit may be a project for that.”

Such is the rarity of the Synesthesia Suit that if a consumer version was created the demand among PlayStation VR users would likely be great. At this point in time though that looks a long way off, but as VR develops and players want to be further immersed in virtual worlds with haptic feedback technology the suit could become an even more likely option.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Enhance Games and Rez Infinite, reporting back with any further updates.

Rez Infinite Creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi to Reflect on Career at Develop:Brighton

In July, one of Europe’s leading conferences for videogame developers, Develop:Brighton, will return for 2017. Speaker submissions opened in February and today organiser, Tandem Events, has announced renowned Japanese developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi will be giving a talk looking back over his career.

Mizuguchi has been in the videogame business for 27 years, with a varied career seeing him design hydraulic-powered arcade cabinets, crafted classics such as Sega Rally and Rez, whilst diving into the world of virtual reality (VR) with Rez Infinite for PlayStation VR.

Mizuguchi 2015_b

For his session, Tetsuya Mizuguchi: Beautiful Dream, Mizuguchi’s talk will cover his early days in Sega’s arcade division all the way to his most recent venture, Enhance Games. Of course as being an early advocate of VR with Rez Infinite, he’ll be sharing his thoughts on VR, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technology.

“We’re delighted to welcome Tetsuya Mizuguchi to this year’s Develop:Brighton conference,” said Andy Lane, managing director of Tandem Events. “His career has spanned almost three decades and is overflowing with inspirational achievements. We can’t wait to hear him share his thoughts on the industry, both then and now.”

More than 40 sessions have been announced for Develop:Brighton 2017 spanning over seven tracks: design; art; audio; business; coding; Evolve and Indie. There will be a double keynote from John and Brenda Romero, an Evolve keynote from Ken Perlin and sessions from Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Space Ape Games, Dlala Studios, Yogscast, Bossa Studios, Bioware, Media Molecule, Xbox, Rovio London and more. VR specific talks include ‘The Impact of User Behaviour on Social VR’ by vTime and ‘Tin Hearts: The Quest for “Long-Form VR” and Lessons Learned Along the Way’ from Rogue Sun.

Develop:Brighton, is a conference, expo and networking event taking place across three days, from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th July 2017 at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton. Super Early Bird tickets are still available until 26 April for those interested.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Develop:Brighton, reporting back with any further updates.

Enhance Games Working on New Synethesia Suit for REZ Infinite

The PlayStation VR launch of REZ Infinite has been incredibly well received, currently standing as the highest rated title on the PlayStation 4’s virtual reality (VR) platform via critic reviews on Metacritic. However, there’s one aspect of the videogame’s design that few have had the chance to experience: the Synethesia Suit. A new version of this full body suit is currently in development, which could possibly offer more players the opportunity to get hands-on with this unique VR experience.

Synesthesia Suit

The Synethesia Suit has been showcased at a number of events across the globe alongside REZ Infinite’s pre-launch outings. However, given that just one suit exists at present, the number of people that have been able to experience it has been decidedly limited. According to Tetsuya Mizuguchi, creator of the REZ franchise and REZ Infinite, a new version of the Synethesia Suit is now in development.

Responding to an article from Forbes on the original Synethesia Suit, Mizuguchi tweeted that a new version of the Synethesia Suit is currently being created specifically for REZ Infinite.

No further details are currently available on the new Synethesia Suit, including intended completion date or when we can expect to see it debut at events across the globe. However, adding a second suit to the arsenal will significantly increase the chances of gamers getting hands-on with this unique piece of VR interactivity.

Rez Infinite 13

REZ Infinite is available now for PlayStation VR, playable with the DualShock 4 controller or PlayStation Move. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on REZ Infinite and this new edition of the Synethesia Suit.