With just four months to go in 2020, we still have plenty of VR gaming to look forward to.
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year so far. For VR, fortunately, the year has already given us a lot to be happy about. In January we received The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, a thrilling and quite realistic zombie survival game. Meanwhile, the Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired title Down The Rabbit Hole took us on a mesmerizing tour through a mystical world. And of course, the much-anticipated Half-Life: Alyx exceeded everyone’s expectations with its incredibly immersive gameplay.
In contrast to 2019, 2020 will continue to be a little quiet in terms of hardware, with major brands like Facebook and Lenovo having launched new headsets just last year. It’s important to note, however, that Facebook finally released the Oculus for Business program on its Oculus Quest headset. Oculus for Business is an enterprise platform that introduces and streamlines virtual reality programs into the workplace, assisting in everything from training to prototyping.
This move is reflective of a wider trend in the world of VR. As gaming becomes ever more sophisticated, more and more VR innovations are branching out of it, too. Released earlier this year, HP’s new VR Backpack G2 is designed for both home and business use — whether it’s location-based gaming, training, or even for design purposes. Unlike a traditional desktop, the wearable VR device allows you to explore worlds and conquer quests without the constraints of cables. Plus, it provides impressive resolution with 9.3 megapixels and an extended viewing field of 114
degrees.
Not to mention, VR has seen a boom in recent workplaces with remote work becoming the norm these days. In fact, CNBC reports that the virtual meeting room Spatial saw a whopping 1,000% increase in usage since March. What’s more, virtual reality within businesses is set to reach greater heights, as its revenue is projected to grow from $829 million in 2018 to $4.26 billion in 2023.
2020 has been exceptional for the VR industry. But with four months still left in the year, there are still plenty of releases left in store for you. That said, here are nine exciting releases to keep an eye out for in 2020.
MEDAL OF HONOR: ABOVE AND BEYOND
Release date: 2020
The Medal of Honor series is beloved by gamers across generations. And after teaming up with Oculus Rift, the Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond VR game is slated to be released later this year. The first-person shooter title will take you along a tour of duty across Europe during World War II where you’ll battle Nazis, support the French resistance — to name a few. You can embark on this historic trip in time by yourself or with your friends in its
multiplayer mode.
LOW-FI
Release date: Late 2020
A spiritual successor to Technolust, LOW-FI is a cyberpunk virtual reality game that is planned for release sometime this year. This is an IRIS VR title where you’ll guard the streets of a neo-punk world. Here, you’ll be facing tough challenges that’ll ultimately make you choose between following your moral compass or succumbing to corruption. Plus, it’s an open-ended non-linear game where you can expect stunning graphics and details.
Those who don’t feel like waiting for the full release can check out an early access build available via itch.io.
VACATION SIMULATOR: BACK TO JOB
Release date: 2020
The developers at Owlchemy Labs are set to release Vacation Simulator: Back to Job in the next few months. Compared to other titles on the list, this relaxation-focused experience is a refreshing way to immerse yourself in the virtual world. As an associate navigating his way through a gig economy on vacation, you’ll manage the Vacation Simulator poolside Cantina with a friendly Gigbot assistant. From cooking and serving to management and entertainment, it’s up to you to ensure a wide assortment of vacationing bots enjoy their time at the sunny destination resort.
FACEBOOK HORIZON
Release date: 2020
Facebook’s highly-anticipated social VR platform promises Oculus headset users a game-changing metaverse in which to build their own games and environments. Open to a select few as part of an invite-only public beta, Facebook Horizon lets you create your own VR avatar and explore a sprawling virtual world filled with various activities in which to participate. As previously stated, you’ll be free to create and share your own interactive experiences using a set of in-game world-building tools.
STAR WAR: SQUADRONS
Release date: October 2nd, 2020
EA’s highly-anticipated Star Wars arcade flight sim promises longtime fans of the legendary franchise the chance to pilot a wide range of recognizable starships featured throughout the films. Players will experience the action from both the perspective of the crumbling empire as well as the rebels as they jump between two customizable pilots. In addition to a full narrative campaign, you’ll have the chance to duke it out with other players online in 5v5 multiplayer dogfights.
AFTER THE FALL
Release date: 2020
Set 20 years after a viral outbreak resulted in the downfall of mankind After the Fall has you teaming up with three other friends to explore a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles filled to the brim with flesh-hungry zombies, referred to in-game as “Snowbreed.” Using the game’s robust weapon crafting system, you’ll have the ability to build, mod, and upgrade a wide range of DIY weaponry. Of course, you’ll need more than just a powerful boomstick if you wish to survive this unforgiving journey. After the Fall features a heavy focus on cooperative play; teams will need to communicate and coordinate effectively throughout each and every mission if they hope to succeed.
THE WALKING DEAD: ONSLAUGHT
Release date: September 29th, 2020
The Walking Dead Onslaught will have you playing as numerous characters from the show as you chop, slice, shoot, punch, and dismember your way through endless waves of flesh-hungry walkers. Players begin their journey in the walled-off community of Alexandria shortly after the events of the Savior War. The Walking Dead Onslaught features two primary game modes: Campaign and Scavenger Mode. Playing through the story, players will take on the role of Daryl Dixon as he retells the story of a chance encounter with an elusive stranger. Scavenger Mode offers players an infinitely replayable experience that will have them running countless supply runs as Rick, Michonne, and Carole in an effort to upgrade their gear as well as the Alexandria safe-zone.
BLASTON
Release date: 2020
Inspired by Old West gunfights, Resolution Games’ futuristic dualer has you battling it out with other players using a variety of unique weaponry in a one-on-one high-stakes shootout. Confined to a small platform, you’ll need to remain in constant motion in order to avoid incoming gunfire. You’ll have access to a wide range of sci-fi weapons, each featuring their own unique projectiles, from the super-fast laser to overwhelming scattershot. You can even curve bullets Wanted-style.
LONE ECHO 2
Release date: Late 2020
Originally scheduled for release in 2019, Lone Echo 2 will return you to the rings of Saturn for another zero-g adventure aboard the Kronos II mining station. Stepping back into the role of the android Jack, you’ll once again be tasked with ensuring the safety of Captain Rhodes as the two of you investigate a mysterious deep space threat. After several delays, fans of the original have been clamoring for updates on this highly-anticipated sequel.
Image Credit: EA, Owlchemy Labs, Facebook, Iris VR Inc.
