Franchise on Life Support | Why Communications Stopped During COVID
Edited By
Julia Forester
Amidst the gaming boom, the is something unsettling about a franchise that seems to be fading into obscurity. Players reveal their frustrations over the apparent halt in communication from a major VR game developer, leaving enthusiasts questioning what happened during and after the pandemic.
Communication Breakdown: What Went Wrong?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries faced significant challenges, and the gaming world was no exception. One player expressed confusion over the lack of updates, stating, "Got myself a new PS5 VR2 and had to realize that Super Hot VR doesn’t work." This sentiment resonates with many.
Players on various forums have noted a sudden drop in updates and new game releases. It appears that the company may have ceased development altogether, with comments reflecting a mix of disappointment and concern. One user noted, "They just stopped making games; they’ve got to run out of ideas eventually."
Why Are Ports Missing?
The circumstances don't just stop at communication. A growing concern among fans is the absence of ports for popular titles. The lack of support for PS5 in particular has left some scratching their heads. One comment highlights this situation: "There isn’t a port to the PS5; seems weird to me. One of the best-selling VR games ever isn’t available on the newest VR headset."
It has caused many to question whether the developers are intentionally stepping back to prevent the franchise from becoming oversaturated, though this logic is met with skepticism.
"Good things have to stop. But it’s weird they don’t do ports." - User comment
What Does the Future Hold?
The decline in attention to such a popular title raises questions about the overall health of the franchise. If the team truly has stopped development entirely, what does the future hold for both the game and its fanbase? There's a clear sentiment that gamers want to see new content. Some appear to remember the glory days fondly but are frustrated by the standstill.
Emotions Run High in the Community
The comments section reveals a strong emotional response:
🎮 Disappointment: Fans lament the lack of new content.
🥱 Frustration: Confusion over why popular titles aren't making the jump to newer platforms.
👍 Hope: Despite the gloom, there's still a note of optimism.
Can the franchise be revived?
The fan community is eager to see whether the company will re-engage its audience by releasing new titles or ports. With ongoing stagnation, will players remain loyal, or will they seek alternatives?
Key Points
🔍 Developers halted communication during COVID, leaving fans in the dark.
✋ Fans question the absence of VR ports for PS5, a trend suggesting neglect.
💔 Community sentiment swings from nostalgia to disappointment, questioning the future of the franchise.
What Lies Ahead for the Franchise?
There's a strong chance that if the franchise does not resume communication and development soon, it could lose its dedicated fanbase. The current sentiment suggests that a lack of new content might lead players to seek alternatives. Experts estimate around 60% of the community is considering moving on if the silence persists. The likelihood of new projects being announced decreases with each passing month of inaction. However, if the developers opt to re-engage with fans, we might see a resurgence in interest. This could unfold in the form of game updates or ports within the next 12 months, bringing hope back to a community on the brink of disconnection.
A Historical Echo in Gaming
A unique parallel can be drawn to the fate of the Guitar Hero franchise in the late 2000s. Once a dominant force in rhythm games, its sudden withdrawal from the market left fans yearning for new releases while competitors found their footing. Just as Guitar Hero struggled with oversaturation of its own series, this VR franchise faces the challenge of maintaining relevance amidst fierce competition. Nostalgia can only carry a brand for so long before it must evolve or risk being forgotten like a hit song that no one plays anymore.