As we dive deeper into another year, it’s clear that virtual reality is a medium that’s not slowing down. VR has been around for nearly a decade, constantly transforming and reshaping what’s possible in entertainment, creativity, and social connection.
2024 has marked a significant leap forward in VR, with its potential becoming even more evident. While the surge of AAA titles is certainly exciting, this year has also been celebrated for its outstanding indie projects. VR is proving to be profitable and rewarding for developers and gamers alike—it’s no longer just a niche interest.
What truly sets 2024 apart is the emphasis on refining the VR experience. Developers are applying a decade’s worth of insights to create an era marked by comfort, immersion, and accessibility. The year has introduced innovative mechanics, gripping storylines, and stunning visuals that truly immerse players, creating a bright future for VR.
So without further delay, let’s present Road to VR’s Game of the Year Awards for 2024:
PC VR: Skydance’s Behemoth
- Developer: Skydance Games
- Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR
- Release Date: December 5th, 2024
PC VR is distinctive, offering power users the opportunity to fully exploit their hardware in a way that consoles like Quest and PSVR 2 simply can’t match. True immersion in VR demands more than just impressive graphics. It requires worlds that players can intuitively interact with, lifelike NPCs, engrossing soundscapes, and memorable moments that leave you saying “wow”. Skydance’s Behemoth is a shining example of achieving this profound sense of presence.
Behemoth’s excellence isn’t surprising, considering Skydance’s previous success with The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners. This experience has clearly informed their current offering, from the physics-based combat right down to the depth of world-building.
Before you even face your first Behemoth, the game wisely encourages the use of a variety of skills—climbing, grappling, archery. You’re presented with a choice of legendary weapons to upgrade or opt to fight using the game’s own arsenal, including katanas and an enormous buster sword.
Behemoth captures everything that’s extraordinary about VR gaming, making it our top PC VR pick of the year and a must-play title.
Quest 3 Game of the Year: Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Developer: Camouflaj
- Publisher: Oculus Studios / Meta
- Available On: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: October 21st, 2024
Batman: Arkham Shadow went beyond expectations. Despite being a fresh take on a long-dormant franchise and developed by an untested studio in the series, Camouflaj succeeded in bringing Batman to VR with style.
Rather than simply porting Arkham to VR, Camouflaj reimagined it, understanding and maintaining the essence that makes Arkham games unique. The intricate task of integrating its well-loved brawling combat into VR was approached with a fresh lens, resulting in exhilarating combat where Batman flawlessly navigates enemies.
Using unique motion-based controls, Camouflaj has captured the spirit of Arkham while cleverly reinventing it for VR, making Batman: Arkham Shadow a standout hit for Quest this year.
PSVR 2: Metro Awakening
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Available On: PSVR 2, Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: November 7th, 2024
Metro Awakening takes players into its gritty, post-apocalyptic world—a place fans always thought would thrive in VR. With Vertigo Games at the helm, this once-dream has become a reality.
Despite VR offering escapism to idyllic places, Metro’s bleak environment is brought to life in a way that’s truly engaging, thanks to Vertigo’s innovative approach. The game features creative weaponry that amplifies the immersive experience, like the tactically fascinating crossbow and shotgun.
Adding to the depth is a clever, realistic inventory system that heightens the sense of presence. Pull items naturally from a shoulder-mounted backpack, enhancing the sense of reality. The suspenseful atmosphere further deepens the game’s immersive quality.
For its compelling design and uniquely interactive elements, Metro Awakening also receives our Excellence in Immersion award.
Mixed Reality: Starship Home
- Developer: Creature
- Available On: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: September 26th, 2024
Mixed reality is still finding its feet, but Starship Home is a revelation. This game makes full use of Quest 3’s spatial capabilities, mixing ship management and quirky sci-fi gardening to create a truly engaging experience.
Players can arrange modules around their room, seamlessly blending their surroundings with the virtual elements, making them feel like they’re genuinely commanding a spacecraft. This clever use of space marks a significant step for mixed reality, and Starship Home sets the benchmark.
Indie and Locomotion: UNDERDOGS
- Developer: One Hamsa
- Available On: Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: January 25th, 2024
One Hamsa has struck gold with UNDERDOGS, securing awards for both Excellence in Locomotion and Indie Development. Known for Racket: Nx, which cleverly avoided player movement, their new game emphasizes the opposite: a robust locomotion system that integrates seamlessly with gameplay.
Players command mechs by pulling themselves along the ground with arms that double as weapons. This innovative movement, coupled with dynamic combat, makes players feel fully embodied within their mech, setting UNDERDOGS apart.
Ongoing Development: Blade & Sorcery
- Developer: Warpfrog
- Available On: PC VR, Quest
- Release Date: June 17th, 2024
Blade & Sorcery continues to evolve under Warpfrog’s insightful guidance. Originating as a mod-friendly combat sandbox, the game reached new heights with its 1.0 update, introducing a captivating story mode, Crystal Hunt.
Warpfrog’s dedication to enhancing the game’s physics-based combat, narratives, and overall depth has paid off, earning appreciation and anticipation for future projects.
VR Adaptation: Trombone Champ: Unflattened!
- Developers: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
- Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
- Available On: Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2
- Release Date: November 26th, 2024
Starting as a quirky rhythm game, Trombone Champ captured hearts with its humor. In Trombone Champ: Unflattened!, Flat2VR expertly adapted this 2D experience into VR, navigating its challenges while retaining its charm. Players engage with their trombone in lively performances, pushing Flat2VR’s reputation for adeptly porting flat games to VR.
As we conclude another exciting year in VR, the progress and creativity displayed give us plenty to look forward to in the future developments of this immersive medium.
