A brand new MudRunner VR content material replace is stay on Quest, and we interviewed the producer to study extra about this current adaptation.
Following Could’s launch, off-roading car sim MudRunner VR from Saber Interactive is introducing a number of modifications. Probably the most notable modifications embrace a playable retro racing arcade machine within the sport’s hub, the flexibility to lean outdoors of the automobile window, and an interactive headlight button in your automobile’s cabin.
MudRunner VR’s replace additionally introduces a number of new quality-of-life modifications. Extra gas cans can now be discovered throughout mission maps, whereas crouch profiles with adjustable crouching speeds are stay. Different additions embrace including a small timeout for shaking after beginning an engine, plus a brand new “brake bleeding sound” when your car stops.
Earlier than the replace’s launch, UploadVR interviewed MudRunner VR’s producer, Andrey Vasilyev. Whereas Saber Interactive would not remark a couple of potential SnowRunner VR port, this is our full email-based Q&A.
UploadVR: To begin with, thanks for taking my questions at present. It has been over two months since MudRunner VR launched on Quest, how would you describe the broader reception?
Vasilyev: I wish to thank everybody who has already performed MudRunner VR! The response from gamers to our sport has been superb. We’re actually excited to see how gamers are participating and commenting on the sport. In fact, some issues have been highlighted straight away, however we’ve already began engaged on these fixes. It is extremely thrilling to see gamers posting movies and sharing their impressions of the sport daily.
UploadVR: MudRunner was first launched again in 2017 and 7 years on, it is come to VR. How did this concept get off the bottom and was VR at all times a part of the plan?
Vasilyev: The concept arose spontaneously in 2021. At that second, it wasn’t clear how we’d carry the expertise of the unique MudRunner to VR, which is one thing we spent a variety of time enthusiastic about earlier than beginning the mission. It regarded like an actual problem for us, particularly contemplating it was our first VR mission. Seeing the place we at the moment are, we’re thrilled that we introduced MudRunner to digital actuality.
UploadVR: How carefully does MudRunner VR match the unique “flatscreen” model? I do know this was beforehand described as a brand new journey particularly for Quest.
Vasilyev: We made a concerted effort to remain true to the unique model. We paid shut consideration to each element and thought by means of every step fastidiously. We’re happy with the outcome, and the optimistic suggestions from gamers, particularly followers of the unique, suggests we acquired it proper. Gamers now have the chance to expertise MudRunner in a brand new, totally different manner. Extremely immersive gameplay, detailed cockpits, the flexibility to manually work together with the winch and off-car refueling, stunning surroundings, a narrative marketing campaign and quite a lot of free-play missions – it’s a totally new expertise, however within the spirit of the unique MudRunner.
UploadVR: What design challenges did you face when adapting a flatscreen sport’s idea for VR?
Vasilyev: The toughest half was porting the sport’s interface. In traditional MudRunner, many actions are carried out by means of interactions with in-game menus. In digital actuality, this is able to break the immersion. You possibly can see the entire detailed details about your car on the dashboard and we additionally put in a pill with a navigator on the dashboard. You should utilize it, for instance, to make marks on the map, or to restore your car.
UploadVR: This may mark the primary main post-launch replace since MudRunner VR arrived, what is going to you be introducing with this?
Vasilyev: We comply with the suggestions from our gamers very carefully, particularly as we watch streams and browse feedback. This replace will embrace numerous modifications and options, together with extra gas canisters, crouching pace will now be capable to be modified within the settings and we additionally opened the home windows on the driving force’s aspect, so you possibly can peek outdoors whereas combatting the robust terrain.
We now have additionally ready a bit of shock for our gamers! In our sport hub, the place you possibly can select a mission, there will likely be a MudRunner arcade machine. To play it, all it’s a must to do is flip round in the primary hub, level the controller on the machine, and pull the set off.
UploadVR: Will the American Wilds growth or the opposite DLC content material ever attain the VR version?
Vasilyev: There are not any present plans for this.
UploadVR: Are any additional updates deliberate past this one?
Vasilyev: One of many primary requests from our gamers was a locomotion mode, which is likely one of the group’s key focuses in growth. We needed to considerably rework the autos and motion system. A few of the autos are very tough to climb into, whereas refueling them may be much more tough. Keep tuned and comply with our Saber channels for extra to return!
UploadVR: Will we ever see MudRunner VR on different platforms like Steam, PlayStation VR2, or Pico?
Vasilyev: By no means say by no means!
UploadVR: Are there any messages that you simply’d prefer to share with UploadVR’s readers?
Vasilyev: We wish to thank all our gamers for such a heat reception and for testing the sport. We’ll proceed to make enhancements and hearken to your suggestions! We’re very pleased with our sport and sit up for persevering with to develop our VR group.
MudRunner VR is offered now on the Meta Quest platform.