We’ve entered another exciting year in the dynamic world of virtual reality, a medium that’s not just holding its ground but rapidly transforming. Over nearly a decade, VR has shifted the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming, creativity, and human connection, showing no signs of slowing down.
2024 has truly been a landmark year, with VR’s promise becoming more apparent than ever. It’s not solely about big-name games, although they’re definitely a plus. This year brought us highly-anticipated blockbuster releases and daring indie projects, both testaments to how VR is evolving from a niche interest to a mainstream, profitable venture for developers and gamers alike.
This year’s buzzword has been “refinement.” Developers are building on the lessons learned over previous years, propelling VR into a new phase of comfort, depth, and accessibility. Whether it’s inventive mechanics, unforgettable storylines, or immersive visuals, 2024 is a year for celebration and anticipation.
And so, let’s delve into Road to VR’s 2024 Game of the Year Awards:
Through the power of PC gaming, VR stands out against platforms like Quest, with its standalone allure, and PSVR 2, which leverages the PS5’s strengths. PC VR presents enthusiasts an opportunity to maximize hardware potential, pushing every pixel to its peak.
However, immersion transcends mere visuals. It encompasses a cohesive world that players naturally navigate, realistic NPCs, enveloping soundscapes, and jaw-dropping set-pieces. Few games in VR’s brief history master this blend, but Skydance’s Behemoth reaches remarkable immersive heights.
Developed by Skydance Games, the team behind The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, Behemoth excels thanks partly to its predecessor’s influence on melee physics and world-building depth. Even before confronting its titular giants, the game engages players with climbing, swinging, and long-range bow shots that require every skill learned on the journey. Whether wielding one of the three Legendary weapons or borrowing enemy gear, Behemoth invites strategic flexibility. Its epic battles signify it as our top PC VR pick for this year and a must-play VR experience.
Moving to stand-alone endeavors, Batman: Arkham Shadow earned our Quest Game of the Year award. Undertaking a franchise revival—long absent from mainline titles—Camouflaj brilliantly reimagined its established gameplay for VR. By pinpointing the essence of what makes an Arkham game feel authentic and innovating mechanics, the studio delivered a Quest 3 exclusive that captivates.
Metro Awakening captured attention with its post-apocalyptic narrative that bodes well in VR. Vertigo Games brought the gritty Metro universe to life with interactive weapons and an innovative, diegetic inventory system, earning it accolades for immersion.
The Excellence in Immersion award went to Metro Awakening, further highlighted by its atmospheric sounds and visuals that constantly keep players on their toes. A well-earned recognition indeed.
The realm of mixed reality, often an add-on within broader experiences, found new ground with Starship Home. Developed by Creature, the game leans into MR with modules players can arrange throughout their space, marking a fresh step toward MR’s essential involvement in VR.
Next, we celebrate Excellence in Locomotion and Indie Development with UNDERDOGS from One Hamsa. Known for creative engagement, the studio’s latest endeavor sees players navigate and combat using ‘arm-based locomotion’ suited perfectly to the game’s stubby mechs, offering both excitement and a strong sense of embodiment.
Blade & Sorcery by Warpfrog was recognized for ongoing development, evolving from a mod-friendly sandbox to a comprehensive adventure with its ‘Crystal Hunt’ update. With continued commitment to innovation, Warpfrog sets high expectations for the future.
Finally, Trombone Champ: Unflattened!, ported by Flat2VR Studios, transformed a viral 2D rhythm game into a compelling VR experience. This adaptation demonstrated Flat2VR’s prowess, setting a promising precedent for future projects.
These awards recognize remarkable achievements within VR—a testament to the industry’s relentless innovation. Let’s anticipate what new wonders it will surprise us with in the years ahead!
