Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has recently announced that it will be shutting down three of its virtual reality games (3 VR Games): Dead and Buried, Dead and Buried II, and Bogo. These games were among the first titles to showcase the potential of VR gaming on the Oculus platform, but they will soon be gone for good.
Meta’s decision to end 3 VR games has upset many users who got an email saying the games will stop working on March 15, 2024. Meta gave no reason for this move, which affects games made by its own studios or partners. In this article, we will explore these questions and more.
What are the 3 VR Games that Meta Shut Down?
Meta has recently disclosed its decision to cease operation of 3 VR Games, namely Dead and Buried, Dead and Buried II, and Bogo, effective March 15, 2024. While Meta has refrained from offering specific reasons for this shutdown, Here are the details of these 3 VR games.
Dead and Buried: A Wild West VR shooter game
Dead and Buried is a VR shooter game that takes place in a Wild West setting. It was released in December 2016 as a launch title for Oculus Touch controllers. It was developed by Oculus Studios and Gunfire Games. It was later made available for free for Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest users.
Dead and Buried features various modes of gameplay, such as quick draw duels, shootouts, horde mode, target practice, and social lounge. Users can play solo or with up to eight players online. The game also supports cross-play between Rift and Quest devices.
Dead and Buried received positive reviews from critics and users alike. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, variety, immersion, and fun factor. It was also nominated for several awards, such as Best VR Game at The Game Awards 2016. Also read How Virtual Assistants AI Can Boost the Immersive Experience of Gaming.
Dead and Buried II: A Sequel to Dead and Buried with more Modes and Maps.
Dead and Buried II is a sequel to Dead and Buried that was released in May 2019. It was developed by Oculus Studios and Drifter Entertainment. It was available for $19.99 for Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest devices.The game also supported cross-play and cross-buy between Rift S and Quest devices.
Dead and Buried II expanded on the original game by adding more modes, maps, weapons, and customization optionsIt also introduced a new locomotion system that allowed users to move freely around the map using the thumbstick or teleportation. Dead and Buried II received mixed reviews from critics and users.
It was praised for its improvements, gameplay, graphics, and multiplayer features. However, it was also criticized for its lack of content, polish, balance, and innovation. Some users also reported technical issues, such as bugs, glitches, and crashes.
Bogo: A VR pet simulator game
Bogo is a VR pet simulator game that was released in April 2019. It was available for free for Oculus Quest devices.Bogo is a game that allows users to adopt and interact with a cute alien creature named Bogo. Users can feed, play, groom, and teach Bogo various tricks and commands.
It was praised for its graphics, animation, sound, interaction, and charm. It was also considered as a relaxing and family-friendly game that could appeal to a wide range of audiences. Users can also explore Bogo’s home planet and discover different items and environments.
Why Did Meta Shut Down These 3 VR Games?
- Lack of player base and revenue: One of the main reasons why Meta might have shut down these 3 VR games is because they were not generating enough player base and revenue.
- Shift in focus and strategy: Meta may have shut down these 3 VR games to focus on Horizon, its social VR platform launching in 2023.
- Technical and creative challenges: Meta may have shut down these 3 VR games due to technical and creative challenges, such as bugs, lack of content, and repetitive gameplay.
What are the Implications of Meta’s Decision?
Meta’s decision to cease operation of 3 VR Games may have several implications for the VR gaming industry and the users. Some possible implications are:
For the Developers and Publishers
Meta is decided to make the developers and publishers of these games unhappy and annoyed. They may have invested a lot in these games, but they will disappear soon. They may also damage their reputation and credibility in the VR industry. But they may also gain from their mistakes and achievements and use them to make better games in the future.
For the Existing and Potential Players
Meta’s decision might disappoint and frustrate the existing and potential players of these games. They may have liked or wanted to play these games, but they will be gone or unsupported soon. They may also feel cheated and betrayed by Meta. However, they may also find other VR games that they enjoy or wait for new and better VR games in the future.
For the VR Industry and Community
Meta’s decision may affect the VR industry and community in different ways. They may feel sad and angry to lose some VR games they liked. They may fear for VR gaming’s future, with Meta’s control. But they may also look forward to new and original VR games. They may hope that Meta will make better and diverse VR games for all.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Meta’s move to shut down three of its VR games is a disappointing news for many VR enthusiasts, but it may also signal a new direction for the company’s VR efforts. Meta may be focusing more on creating and acquiring VR platforms and applications that can enable the metaverse, a virtual world that it hopes to dominate in the future.
Why Did Meta Shut Down 3 VR Games?