TGA 2024 Nominees: Can PC Ports and Big IPs Boost VR Gaming?

The Game Awards 2024 (TGA) recently announced its list of nominees, and the competition for "Best VR/AR Game" is particularly fierce. Continuing the trend from last year, sparked by Sony's release of the PSVR2, this year's nominees highlight a clear pattern—remakes, PC ports, or adaptations of existing IPs dominate the scene. This reflects a strategic choice by VR game developers: on one hand, leveraging familiar IPs and content can deepen engagement with players already interested in these areas, lowering the barrier for VR adoption. On the other hand, this might limit innovation and the exploration of new gameplay, potentially constraining VR's development potential.

Let's dive into the list of nominees and see what's in store.

2024 Best VR/AR Game Nominees

1. Arizona Sunshine® Remake

Developer: Vertigo Games

The zombie survival game "Arizona Sunshine" first launched in 2016, quickly becoming a VR classic with its realistic shooting mechanics and open-world exploration. The remake not only revamps the combat system for a more thrilling and fast-paced experience but also adds a variety of new weapons. With advancements in gaming hardware, the graphics have been fully upgraded, offering more detailed zombies and environments, immersing players in the sun-drenched desolation of the desert. The new multiplayer co-op mode is a standout feature, allowing players to team up with friends to battle hordes of zombies.

2. Asgard’s Wrath 2

Developer: Sanzaru Games/Oculus Studios

"Asgard’s Wrath," released in 2019, is a VR epic rooted in Norse mythology, offering players a high degree of freedom in a role-playing game setting. In the sequel, players enter an even larger and more open mythological world, taking on the role of a demigod fighting alongside legendary heroes. The game emphasizes a blend of storytelling and sandbox exploration, allowing players to influence the narrative in a personalized way. The combat system has been further enhanced, featuring smoother dynamic strikes and tactical options, providing the thrill of battling on a mythological battlefield.

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Developer: Camouflaj/Oculus Studios

The "Batman: Arkham" series, which began on PC and console platforms in 2009, has become a staple in superhero gaming. In 2016, the series ventured into VR with "Batman: Arkham VR," allowing players to explore Batman's world in first-person. "Batman: Arkham Shadow" takes immersion and interactivity to the next level, letting you delve deeper into Gotham's dark corners and face off against iconic villains. Players must use Batman's high-tech gadgets to solve puzzles and stealthily infiltrate enemy hideouts.

4. Metal: Hellsinger VR

Developer: Lab 42/The Outsiders/Funcom

Originally a PC game, "Metal: Hellsinger VR" is an innovative rhythm shooter that takes immersive experiences to new heights in VR gaming. Players must defeat hellish demons to the beat of heavy metal music. This unique immersive music interaction design makes players feel like they're at a high-energy metal concert, challenging their reflexes and coordination.

5. Metro Awakening

Developer: Vertigo Games

The "Metro" series, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novels, debuted with the PC game "Metro 2033" in 2010, earning acclaim for its deep storytelling and oppressive post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Subsequent titles expanded the survival narrative of the underground world. "Metro Awakening" marks the series' first foray into VR, plunging players into narrow underground tunnels to face the terrifying post-apocalyptic environment head-on. The detailed graphics combined with immersive sound effects make every resource scavenging and enemy confrontation moment more tense and thrilling.

PC Ports and Major IPs Dominate the VR Game Industry

This year's TGA nominees, including hits like "Arizona Sunshine Remake," "Batman: Arkham Shadow," and "Metro Awakening," not only incorporate classic IPs or extend PC series but also attract a broader player base. Thanks to hardware advancements, the visual effects and detail presentation have reached a more mature production level. However, this trend also raises some thought-provoking questions.

Whether it's PC ports or reliance on IPs, these trends might inadvertently limit the development space for VR game innovation. In contrast to this year's nominees, past TGA VR game nominees have included creative and novel titles like "HUMANITY" (nominated in 2023) and "Moss" (winner in 2022). While some might argue that these smaller games struggle to showcase VR's potential, they offer players a distinctly different VR experience through unique interactive designs and storytelling methods. However, this year's nominee list lacks original VR works.

Looking ahead, finding a balance between highly immersive blockbusters and creative native VR works will be a crucial challenge for the VR market's growth. On one hand, sequels, ports, or classic IPs can draw more players into the VR ecosystem; on the other hand, the market needs to continue supporting those who dare to innovate and explore new gameplay to ensure VR as a medium continues to evolve. What about you? What are your thoughts on this year's nominees? Are there any hidden gems that were overlooked?