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What you need to know
Among Us VR is evolving into Among Us 3D, a new cross-platform game available on Steam that eliminates the requirement for a VR headset. The transition to Among Us 3D entails a full rebranding that will unfold over the next few months, introducing features like new Stardust currency, fresh game modes, tasks, and various accessories. A playable demo is slated for the upcoming Steam Next Fest, running from February 24 to March 3. However, it’s important to note that Among Us 3D is not designed to be compatible with the existing 2D version, although there will be collaborations between the two. Schell Games has not yet clarified if those who purchased Among Us VR will be eligible for a free upgrade to the Steam version.
Initially launched as one of the most engaging multiplayer experiences on the Quest, Among Us VR has seen several significant updates since its release in 2022. Nevertheless, the game faces challenges in retaining a steady player base, particularly as many Quest users gravitate toward other popular platforms like Horizon Worlds and newer games such as Gorilla Tag clones. To address this, Schell Games is targeting the broader non-VR Steam audience with the introduction of “Among Us 3D,” highlighting a potential shift towards crossplay as a favorable future direction for VR games.
On Thursday, the announcement of Among Us 3D revealed that this new port for Steam PC stems from the original Among Us VR experience. The demo will be made available during Steam Next Fest, allowing players on Steam to engage as both crewmates and imposters alongside VR users from Quest 3, Quest 3S, PSVR 2, and Steam VR environments.
Among Us 3D Teaser Trailer – YouTube
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Ryan Hall, project director at Schell Games, expressed enthusiasm about the rebranding: “With Among Us 3D, we’re excited to bring the first-person perspective to an even wider audience. By uniting VR and PC players, we’re opening up even more ways to brutally betray your friends — your whole crew can get in on the fun!”
Currently, Among Us 3D is available for wishlisting on Steam, but the release date is yet to be announced. The existing version of Among Us VR on Quest will undergo a rebranding to align with Among Us 3D in the coming months, incorporating a new in-game currency dubbed Stardust that aims to enhance customization options and facilitate game expansion. It seems that Schell Games intends to ensure the original Quest game is fully prepared prior to launching the non-VR version.
Looking towards the future, Schell Games and Innersloth promise new game modes, tasks, and collaborations with the original Among Us franchise following the complete launch. While there are fan-favorite cosmetics expected to make their way into the 3D space, actual crossplay between the 2D and 3D formats will not be possible.
Among Us VR, despite offering fewer maps than its standard counterpart, garnered praise for its detailed recreation of Skeld and its intuitive VR motion controls that enhanced beloved gameplay tasks. Moreover, proximity chat features added a layer of immersion, allowing players to authentically embody the tension of being a crewmate or an imposter. Continuous updates like the introduction of the Polus Point map have further enriched the player experience.
With the launch of Among Us 3D, Schell Games aims to sustain support for the VR experience while leveraging the influx of Steam gamers to fund ongoing development and refresh its user base within the game. A key point of interest will be how effectively the VR-centric gameplay mechanics translate to traditional keyboard-and-mouse controls.
Will crossplay revitalize Quest multiplayer?
Current trends show that Meta Quest games are facing challenges in retaining players, particularly with the rise of free-to-play dynamics. Although the Quest Store’s revenue has increased, much of it is attributed to in-app purchases rather than robust game sales. The metaverse landscape populated by popular clones such as Gorilla Tag often undermines polished VR titles, which struggle for visibility and to recoup their development investments.
The challenges with user retention in many top VR multiplayer games are evident, leading to unfortunate consequences for even well-regarded titles like Echo VR, which shut down despite having a dedicated fan base. The shift of Among Us VR to Among Us 3D could represent a promising avenue for other VR studios, where transforming VR-exclusive titles into first-person experiences available on non-VR platforms could draw in larger player communities while maintaining loyalty among original fans.
While many original Steam games do have VR versions, these expansions often feel secondary. There is potential for more Quest titles to transition to Steam, allowing larger communities of VR and PC gamers to converge. This approach might benefit both groups, enabling those who prefer non-VR formats to enjoy their favorite multiplayer games and helping maintain an active gaming environment even when players opt out of wearing a headset.
The complexities of this transition shouldn’t be underestimated; some game fanbases might resist diverting resources to new versions they perceive as unneeded. However, a strategic crossover could provide the necessary support for developers to continue producing high-quality games amidst a tough market landscape, ultimately benefiting gamers everywhere.
Source
www.androidcentral.com