The debate for the best gaming console is one you could re-evaluate at any time. This usually goes with Xbox and PlayStation, and sometimes a dark horse in the conversation will make an appearance. If you are serous about console gaming, you’re going with either an Xbox or a PlayStation.
For all the pros and cons of each console, they has always been one spot in which Sony wins by a long shot. Exclusive PlayStation titles that no one else can have. With games like Spider-Man, Alienation, Infamous, and many more, Sony has made sure to keep their satisfied customers always coming back. Without a doubt, this is something that comes in to play when deciding what console you are going to buy.
Xbox took notice of this trend last year and set out to make a true and honest change. This cost them some money, albeit it was an investment they didn’t have to think twice about.
Xbox Game Studios went out and got more development teams to work underneath them, and this move has held some speculation with it. Although Microsoft has repeatedly and openly said that they have no interest in VR, (despite them saying that they would eventually get into it) it is hard to see that they didn’t do the following moves with an agenda in mind.
Of the 14 studios that Xbox Game Studios now works with, 42% of them have developed and shipped out a VR game or experience. This is something worth noting, as that number dramatically increased after they sought out to “rejuvenate the first-party game development.” Many are saying that there is no evidence of this happening on purpose, but I would like to believe that Microsoft, who is a multi-billion dollar company, has a plan in mind the they are partnering with game studios. Here is a brief list of what studios they have acquired and what games or experiences in VR they have worked on and made.
Compulsion Games – We Happy Few: Uncle Jack Live VR
Compulsion games was founded in 2009, but their biggest success came just last year with the release of “We Happy Few.” This game was the followed up with the PSVR game named “We Happy Few: Uncle Jack Live VR” that allows for a free and somewhat cheerful immersive way into the game. This game is sure to give you a range full of emotions, as the developers clearly know how to make the human brain feel a wide range of emotions.
Double Fine – Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin
Double Fine is the most recent announcement of Xbox Game Studios, as the news broke just last week. This company was founded back in the year 2000, as they are well experienced and have a wide variety of popular games. They released a VR puzzle game named Psychonuats in the Rhombus of Ruins, and it played off their 2005 hit Psychonauts. Rhombus of Ruin was a popular game on PSVR in 2017, and then on PC headsets the year later.
The company hasn’t said much about what their future games with Xbox will look like, but if their last games are any indicator, we are in for something special. Double Fine also released a game called GNOG, a highly played and reviews game for PSVR headsets as well as PC headsets.
InXile – The Mage’s Tale
InXile is well known for a few games, but the biggest for VR was the Mage’s Tale. This was originally exclusive on the Oculus Rift, bust since has made its debut on other PC headsets as well has getting onto PSVR. This game takes place in the world or The Bard’s Tale, another hit game from InXile studios. They do a great job of incorporating fun ideas with great storytelling games. Expecting a lot of role playing games from this studio.
343 Industries – Halo Recruit
This studio first started back in 2007, all with the mindset of taking over Halo. That is precisely what they did in 2010 with Halo reach. 343 has been responsible for each Halo game since then, and they have had plenty of great ideas to mix in with original Halo mechanics.
In 2017, 343 Industries gave us the first glimpse at what Halo in VR could be. Although we haven’t seen their demos turn into real games just yet, we know that VR and Halo have been linked in many recent talks. Will Halo be the first major FPS game to make a jump over to VR? Only time will tell. If the game does make the leap, we can expect Microsoft and 343 to take their time and do it right.
Mojang – Minecraft
Minecraft may just be the most popular and most played game of all time. For Xbox to strike an exclusive deal with Mojang may be their biggest (and most important) deal of all time. Back in 2014, Microsoft bought Mojang for a hefty $2.5 billion.
We have seen Microsoft put Minecraft inside of multiple VR headsets, the biggest being the Oculus Rift back in 2016. This game has a great feel inside of VR, and surprisingly it supports non-VR multiplayer with the headset. If this is any indicator of what will happen with the future, this is what we get from it. We understand that if there is a game that is big enough for the console, it will likely be big enough to put inside of a virtual reality headset.
Ninja Theory – Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice VR Edition
This studio first started production in 2000, and have popular games such as Heavenly Sword, DmC: Devil May Cry, and the latest and best Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
Although the VR edition of Hellblade wasn’t originally built for virtual reality, many consider this game very successful for being originally on the console. This game was released last year and is already the studios best solo project up to date.
Ninja Theory also played a huge role in getting Star Wars: Vader Immortal Episode 1 onto the virtual shelves. They also are anticipated to play a major role in the upcoming episodes 2 and 3 that are releasing in the coming months.
