What's Happening?
One Hamsa, the developer of the physics-based mech brawler UNDERDOGS, has revealed that the game's port to PlayStation VR2 is not financially successful. Originally released on Meta Quest and PC VR in early 2024, and later on Pico, the game was brought to PlayStation VR2 earlier this year with Perp Games as the publisher. Despite the effort, the port has not yet paid for itself, highlighting a trend where sales on Quest are generally higher than on other VR platforms. Exceptions exist, such as Max Mustard and Amid Evil VR, which performed better on PS VR2 and Steam respectively. The challenges of porting to PlayStation VR2 include closed SDKs, technical certification requirements, and other overheads, making it more complex than releasing on PC or Android OpenXR headsets.
Why It's Important?
The financial difficulties faced by One Hamsa in porting UNDERDOGS to PlayStation VR2 underscore broader challenges within the VR gaming industry. Developers often encounter higher costs and technical barriers when adapting games for different platforms, which can impact profitability. This situation reflects the competitive nature of the VR market, where platforms like Meta Quest dominate sales, influencing developers' decisions on where to invest resources. The trend could affect future game development strategies, potentially leading to fewer titles being ported to less profitable platforms, thereby limiting consumer choices and affecting the growth of VR gaming.
What's Next?
As the VR gaming industry continues to evolve, developers and platform providers may need to reassess their strategies. Sony might consider reducing the costs associated with porting games to PlayStation VR2 to attract more developers and increase the platform's game library. Additionally, developers may focus on optimizing their games for platforms with higher sales potential, such as Meta Quest, to ensure financial viability. The industry could see shifts in platform preferences and game availability based on these economic considerations.
