Here’s a quick summary of all the VR-related news from the first day (or more accurately, ‘day zero’) of E3 2017. Following EA’s early keynote on Sunday, yesterday saw presentations from Microsoft and Bethesda, with some surprising no-shows and reveals.
Project Scorpio Becomes Xbox One X:
While we anticipated that this year’s Electronic Arts E3 presentation would feature no VR content, it was quite surprising that Microsoft also made no mention of VR during
yesterday’s keynote, which centred around the reveal of the Xbox One X, formerly known as Project Scorpio. The mid-cycle upgrade of the Xbox One was pitched as ‘the world’s most powerful console’, launching November 7th at $499. While its specifications are certainly capable of VR rendering, the presentation concentrated on its ability to deliver true 4K UHD resolution (2160p) for 4K UHD TVs.
Super Lucky’s Tale coming to Xbox One (But no VR … Yet):
Perhaps the closest we came to a VR announcement during the Microsoft keynote was the surprising reveal of Super Lucky’s Tale from Playful Corp, a follow-up to 2016’s Lucky’s Tale – a VR-only platformer that launched with the Oculus Rift. But interestingly, the game doesn’t appear to support VR at this time, and has become a ‘standard’ platformer, launching on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs in 2017.
Microsoft respond to Road to VR regarding Xbox One X VR no-show:
Microsoft appears to have changed its stance on VR support for Xbox One X, which was originally revealed as a machine capable of ‘high-fidelity virtual reality’. While the VR potential clearly remains due to its powerful specifications, Microsoft isn’t discussing it at this time, instead looking to Windows Mixed Reality as the focus for this year.
Doom VFR revealed:
At Bethesda’s E3 presentation, Doom VFR was announced for PSVR and HTC Vive. The reveal trailer shows a game based on id Software’s successful 2016 reboot of the famous franchise, but optimised for VR, with motion controller interactions and a teleporting locomotion mechanic. The game is due to launch in 2017.
Fallout 4 VR launches in October:
The other major VR game from Bethesda is Fallout 4 VR, which was given its first public showing of VR gameplay, along with an announcement of an October release. Unlike the Doom VFR footage, the trailer appeared to show a more standard forward movement rather than a teleport system, although it could be one of several locomotion options. Also unlike Doom VFR, the game was only confirmed for HTC Vive. The game is already available for preorder.
All of this, and E3 hasn’t even officially started yet. Stay tuned to Road to VR as we’re on the show floor all week bringing you the latest from E3 2017.
