Sony Challenges Devs To Add VR Support In Games For Game Jam 2022

Developers are excited for the 2022 Game Jam that is just a few weeks away. A Game Jam is an occasion where competitors try to make a game from scratch. Depending on the rules, competitors may work on their own, or in teams. The event may last from 24 to 72 hours. Partakers are generally programmers, graphic designers, character artists, story writers, and others in the game development-related scene. Some game jams are competitions, others are not.

For this year’s Game Jam, Sony has decided to step in and sponsor a challenge. It appears that they are doing this to test out their new gadget, PSVR2. This major upgrade in technology could redefine what VR games are supposed to be. There is a bonus challenge for developers, to integrate VR support in the titles that they craft. Eye-tracking technology is an added bonus. Sony wants developers to be comfortable with VR from the get-go. 

Global Game Jam 2022 is starting and Sony is sponsoring a bonus challenge for devs to allow VR support in any title that is made

Eye tracking support is a bonus 👀 pic.twitter.com/i1kfpfIWTw

— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) January 16, 2022

PSVR2: Potential To Redefine VR

PSVR2 is the first consumer VR headset to feature traits like in-built eye-tracking technology. So much could be done with such an asset. Imagine realistic horror games where monsters are able to react to your eyesight. Each time you look at the monster it reacts. Horror games could be redefined with eye-tracking and a realistic sound system would be cherry on top.

Eye-tracking could allow players to interact more instinctively in new and lifelike ways. From game-defining moments to simple gameplay outcomes. It will allow for an elevated emotional response and realistic reactions that provide a new level of realism in gaming. 

However, it’s not just specific genres that would go through innovations. Every genre will evolve differently by utilizing PSVR2 tech. This upcoming headset has been defined beautifully on the Playstation blog. 

PlayStation VR2 takes VR gaming to a whole new level, enabling a greater sense of presence and allowing players to escape into game worlds like never before. With the headset on and controllers in hand, players will feel a heightened range of sensations unlike any other.

All in all, whoever was excited about the Game Jam has more reasons to look forward to it now. Let’s see how developers fuse this amazing technology into the worlds they craft. One that we need to take notice of is that competitors are more likely to be small independent developers.

Expecting full-on AAA VR experiences is not wise. We should look forward to how small developers react and integrate VR into their games. VR could become a very common feature in future games considering how reliable the technology is becoming.