One of our most anticipated virtual reality games, and the first full-body virtual sport (“vSport”), known as Sparc finally has a release window and platform announcement. The upcoming title by CCP Games, and their first not set within the EVE Online universe, will release exclusively for PlayStation VR in Q3 2017 with other platforms to follow later.
Interestingly, CCP's first VR game - and the experience that got me personally invested into virtual reality - EVE: Valkyrie was a launch exclusive and pack-in for the Oculus Rift when it released the game was later available to launch alongside the PSVR as well as one of its best titles. CCP has made an effort to develop different experiences for different VR platforms, supporting all of the major headsets, frequently updating all of their games, an even crafting mobile VR experiences with EVE: Gunjack (the sequel of which was an exclusive for Google's Daydream).
Related: Sparc Proves vSports Are The Next Step in VR Gaming
Sparc is a skill-based, fast-paced, and physical sport only possible in virtual reality. We've played it and can attest to how uniquely engaging it is. In Sparc, players utilize their two PlayStation Move motion controllers to aim and throw projectiles at each other inside a sleek virtual arena, while defending themselves by dodging, blocking, or deflecting incoming attacks from a live opponent. Players can compete against their friends or find challengers via online matchmaking.
Players can watch Sparc matches in-person and queue up for the next match through “Courtside,” a freeform social area that allows for spectating in VR. Sparcincludes multiple two-player game modes as well as a selection of single-player challenges and training modes, plus a wide range of visually striking customization and personalization options for competitors.
CCP Games is launching Sparc first on PS VR - the best-selling of the three major virtual reality headsets - and giving a great number of players the opportunity to experience its instantly compelling gameplay for themselves. Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games:
“We have been exploring various aspects of VR over the past four years and pushed into new, exciting territories. Out of one of those explorations, we found this amazing, central nervous system-unlocking experience that really feels like a solid next step towards the next generation of virtual reality experiences. As our first release outside of the EVE universe, I’m really looking forward to seeing how people react to this level of innovation.”.
Morgan Godat, executive producer at CCP Games’ Atlanta studio:
“With Sparc, we’ve set out to deliver an original sport for the current generation of VR hardware. We want to create plasma-clad sporting champions in living rooms via the virtual court, where challengers will meet and compete with other players from around the world.”
[vn_gallery name="Sparc vSport Images by CCP Games" id="991256"]