The Evolution and Future of VR Gaming: An In-depth Conversation with Skydance’s Guy Costantini
The realm of Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has witnessed a meteoric rise in recent years, with developers and creators pushing the envelope to deliver more immersive and engaging experiences. Among the titles that have made a significant mark in the VR landscape is “The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners.” At the GDC-2023 event, we had the privilege of delving deep into the game’s universe with Guy Costantini, the visionary from Skydance Interactive responsible for this captivating title.
One of the most innovative features of “The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners 2: Retribution” is its seamless save transfer mechanism. Costantini elaborated on this, stating, “You can transfer your saves from Quest to PSVR 2. Even from PSVR 1 to PSVR 2 from Chapter 1. This means saves from Chapter 1 can be carried over to Chapter 2, preserving a bit of your history in the franchise.”
This feature not only ensures a smooth gaming experience but also recognizes and respects the diverse platforms and versions players might be transitioning from or to.
The conversation naturally veered towards the technological leaps in the VR domain. Costantini’s enthusiasm for the PlayStation VR 2 was palpable. “The choice of the OLED screen is a game-changer,” he remarked. “For our game, with its night mode and shadow-rich environments, the dynamic shadows and the OLED screen make everything pop.”
He further delved into the broader field of view offered by the new technology and the game-changing haptic feedback. Drawing a comparison between PSVR 1 and PSVR 2, he emphasized the transformative experience the latter offers. “Sony’s expertise in ergonomics is evident,” Costantini added, a nod to the brand’s decades-long legacy in the gaming world.
While the game’s technical prowess is undeniably impressive, it’s the narrative that truly resonates with players. Discussing the transition from Chapter 1 to Chapter 2, Costantini shared, “It’s more about the assets and experiences you’ve accumulated rather than specific narrative choices. You carry forward your gear and memories… With the changing dynamics in New Orleans and the introduction of characters like Garrick and new factions, Chapter 2 offers a fresh yet connected experience.”
The potential for multiplayer gameplay in “The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners” has been a topic of fervent discussion among fans. Addressing this, Costantini was candid: “Transitioning from a single-player to a multiplayer game, especially one that delivers a top-notch experience, is a mammoth task.” He highlighted the unique challenges, especially in ensuring the game’s signature “brutally tactile combat” remains intact in a multiplayer environment.
“The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners 2: Retribution” stands as a testament to the potential and growth of VR gaming. With passionate developers like Guy Costantini steering the ship, the horizon of VR gaming appears limitless. As technology continues its rapid evolution and narratives dive deeper into immersive territories, the VR gaming community has a plethora of exciting developments to anticipate.
See the full interview here on Q2C-VR Gamer
