It’s been a little over six years since Sony debuted PSVR, and the VR world has changed dramatically in that time. Valve published Index, and Half-Life: Alyx was perhaps the medium’s one genuine killer software. Meanwhile, Oculus evolved into Meta, whose Quest 2 is currently the market-leading headset at an appealing and affordable price point. Now comes Sony’s sophomore attempt, which lies somewhere in the middle of the two. But, at £520 (more than the PS5 hardware), can it create the same impact as its predecessor? In today’s edition of Edge, we speak with the engineers whose software will help determine its fate.
What is certain is that the hardware is a significant step forward: the PSVR2’s 4K OLED HDR displays, along with the PS5’s horsepower, allow it to compete with the greatest PC VR experiences. With eye-tracking technology, head-mounted haptics, and the new Sense controllers outperforming the Move wands, it’s a powerful piece of hardware. However, it is the games that /truly/ matter. So, in our extended cover piece, we chat to a variety of developers that are presently working on applications that will be released inside the PSVR2’s launch window to find out what they think about programming for the technology. Analysts and advisors also provide their professional opinions on the future of Sony’s second-generation headset.
In Edge 380, we also recognize the best games, gear, studios, and more in The Edge Awards. We go deep into the making of The Secret Of Immortality, the year’s most enthralling mystery, play Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel’s long-gestating Mewgenics, and remark on PlatinumGames’ Astral Chain and its interesting blend of all-out action and regular police work in Time Extend. We also speak with the developers behind Monolith’s FEAR, who reflect on a horror FPS that is still spoken about two decades later.
In Play, we provide our thoughts on The Callisto Protocol, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Need For Speed Unbound, and other games, as well as speak with the creators of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration about how they upped the standard for throwback compilations. In Studio Profile, we meet Roll7’s founders to learn about the company’s diverse work culture and their intentions for their magnum opus, while in Knowledge, we speak with the sibling duo behind Dwarf Fortress as their highly influential game finally matures.
All of this and more can be found in the Edge 380, which is available now at UK shops or by buying online here.
