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Here Are Some Of The Developers Working On Gear VR Games
Earlier today, Samsung and Oculus announced a new partnership that will pair virtual reality with mobile devices. The Gear VR may be new to us, but developers are already hard at work on building games for the device.
Harmonix, which just yesterday released Dance Central Spotlight and announced a new music-based bullet hell game at PAX, has announced that it is working on software for the head-mounted display.
Temple Run, the popular infinite runner, will be making an appearance on the Gear VR. Developer Imangi Studios will be transitioning the game from third-person to first-person for the device.
The Room developer Fireproof Games also announced it is working on a Gear VR title (while also announcing the third game in its puzzle series is underway, too). Their virtual project, called Omega Agent, gives players a jetpack on cold war-era spy training island.
Darknet, which was at PAX last weekend on the Oculus Rift, will be making the jump to the new device. The title simulates 80s movie-style hacking in cyberspace, realizing the cyberpunk fantasy (without shaving your head or plugging a wire into your brain).
Side-Kick Games is in the process of developing Romans 360, which puts players in a turret, shooting at oncoming soldiers. For those that prefer a little terror in their gaming, Dreadhalls is described as a roguelike horror game.
Finally, Ustwo Games, the developer behind Monument Valley, has announced a new title for the Gear VR. Land's End is described as "a surreal trip through an archipelago of forgotten worlds."
The Gear VR has some challenges to overcome, specifically that it only registers motion in three degrees (compared to the six of the Oculus Rift DK2). This may have an impact on part of the population and longer term use that won't become clear until developers have more time to work with the device and understand its limitations.
Additionally, Samsung and Oculus have the challenge of limited battery life and heat issues, as the phone CPU and GPU will both be working hard to power the experience. As a reminder, the Gear VR units that will be delivered this fall are designed for developers and enthusiasts. if you aren't okay with a sub-optimal experience, it's recommended that you wait until the kinks get worked out.
[Source: Harmonix on Twitter, Fireproof Games on Facebook, Darknet, Dreadhalls, Venture Beat, Ustwo on Twitter]
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