Australian VR Games Power the Future of Immersive Experiences
Australia has long been known for its contributions to the world of video games, and this reputation extends beyond traditional gaming. While popular titles like Untitled Goose Game and Unpacking have garnered praise in recent years, Australian-made VR games have quietly been making significant strides in scope and ambition.
One of the companies leading this charge is Toast Interactive, with its work on titles such as Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard. According to Richard Eastes, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Toast Interactive, up to 20% of the world’s top-selling VR games are made in Australia, with a significant concentration of talent in Queensland.
Eastes himself discovered the potential of VR seven years ago, during a trip to Japan. Inspired by the immersive technology, he began experimenting with VR as a game developer. Now, he and Toast Interactive are pushing the boundaries of VR technology and paving the way for a brighter future in the medium.
Virtual reality has reached a stage of maturity, moving away from being perceived as a gimmick and becoming more accessible and widely available. This accessibility allows for deeper connections with audiences through engaging and immersive worlds. Eastes believes that VR will be a part of human civilization for a long time, and he is excited to witness its early stages.
One of Toast Interactive’s latest games, Max Mustard, is a product of years of tinkering and pushing the boundaries of VR gaming. The game defies conventions by adopting a third-person perspective, despite VR games typically being in a first-person viewpoint. This creative decision stemmed from Australian stubbornness and persistence, proving that VR games can have a broader range of experiences.
Creating VR games comes with additional challenges due to the potential for player motion sickness and the need to design levels that are acceptable to the human brain. Despite these challenges, Eastes believes that the transition from traditional games to VR games is not significantly different. The fundamental principles of game creation remain the same, with VR adding a new level of immersion and engagement.
As VR game development is still relatively new, Eastes emphasizes the importance of observational learning and studying real-world movements. This approach makes VR game development accessible to all developers, regardless of their expertise. It is this spirit of wide-eyed experimentation and fresh ideas that drive the creation of compelling new adventures in the VR gaming industry.
With Toast Interactive leading the way, Australian-made VR games are shaping the future of immersive experiences. As the medium continues to evolve, we can expect even more groundbreaking titles that captivate players and push the boundaries of what is possible in virtual reality.
Additional Facts:
– Queensland in Australia has become a hub for VR game development, with a significant concentration of talent in the region.
– Toast Interactive, led by Richard Eastes, is one of the companies at the forefront of Australian VR game development.
– Max Mustard is one of the latest VR games created by Toast Interactive, which defies conventions by adopting a third-person perspective instead of the typical first-person viewpoint.
Key Questions:
1. What percentage of the world’s top-selling VR games are made in Australia?
Answer: According to Richard Eastes, up to 20% of the world’s top-selling VR games are made in Australia.
2. Why did Toast Interactive choose to adopt a third-person perspective in their VR game, Max Mustard?
Answer: Toast Interactive made this creative decision to showcase the broader range of experiences possible in VR games and to challenge traditional norms in the medium.
Key Challenges/Controversies:
1. Motion sickness: Creating VR games requires addressing the potential for player motion sickness, as the immersive nature of VR can cause discomfort for some individuals.
2. Designing acceptable levels: VR game developers need to design levels that are acceptable to the human brain, taking into consideration factors such as spatial awareness and visual cues.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– VR allows for deeper connections with audiences through engaging and immersive worlds.
– Australian-made VR games offer fresh and innovative experiences in the gaming industry.
– The accessibility and availability of VR technology have increased, making it more widely accessible to a broader audience.
Disadvantages:
– VR game development comes with challenges, including addressing player motion sickness and designing levels that are acceptable to the human brain.
– Transitioning from traditional games to VR games requires a shift in design principles and considerations.
– VR game development is still relatively new, requiring continual observation and learning to fully understand and harness its potential.
Related Links:
– Toast Interactive official website
