A 90-minute closed-door meeting with PSVR 2 developers revealed a lot about Sony’s next-gen virtual reality headset, including the company’s move toward console-quality AAA games. There has been a lot of speculation regarding Sony’s new VR headset, though not much has been revealed by the gaming giant. Patent leaks and concept drawings have given fans a few more details, but Sony is keeping the lid shut on PSVR 2 for now. A developer meeting gave some important details about the future of VR on the PlayStation, including an interesting move toward high-quality content for players.
While Sony has been mostly quiet about the upcoming PSVR 2, reports have uncovered quite a bit to work with. The headset is rumored to achieve a resolution of 4000X2040 pixels, giving each eye 2000X2040 pixels. This would mean the PSVR 2 achieves true 4K, which would set it apart from other modern headsets including the Oculus Quest 2. It was also reported that Sony’s next-gen headset will come fitted with OLED screens, provided by Samsung Display Co. The target launch date of the PSVR 2 is rumored to be just in time for the Holidays in late 2022, though Sony is expected to reveal more early next year.
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As reported by VideoGamesChronicle, the YouTube channel PSVR Without Parole stated that Sony held a closed-door meeting with developers that brought a lot of PSVR 2 details to light. The gaming giant is reportedly focusing on creating “console-quality AAA games” for the next-gen VR system and will stay away from the pattern of creating virtual reality experiences. Sony believes the best way to do that is with hybrid games that are playable with or without the PSVR 2.
According to PSVR Without Parole, these hybrid games won’t need to be downloaded in their entirety, but rather in pieces. Those with a PSVR 2 can download only the VR version, and those with just a flat screen can download a conventional non-VR port. It’s unclear whether there will be a focus on cross-play or cross-progression with these new hybrid games. Sony intends to dive deeply into these console-quality AAA games rather than spending time on short VR experiences that only demonstrate the PSVR 2’s power, rather than take full advantage of it.
The strategy can work really well for Sony, especially as it tries to differentiate its next-gen console from the Xbox Series X/S. With a dedicated VR headset that runs console-quality AAA games at the next level, the PlayStation 5 will certainly stand out.
While it wasn’t said whether there will be cross-play enabled with virtual reality games, titles like Phasmophobia have already proven that the idea is possible, and it would likely result in higher player counts for the games. The PSVR 2 is an exciting headset that will likely make its mark on the VR marketplace, though players will have to wait a little while to get their hands on the next-gen device.
Source: PSVR Without Parole/YouTube (via VideoGamesChronicle)