#1477: Flat2VR Studios’ Journey of Bringing 2D Games to VR with Eric Masher
Oct 6, 2024
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Eric Masher, Chief Operating Officer of Impact Reality and Flat2VR Studios, shares his journey of transforming 2D games into immersive VR experiences. He discusses the collaboration with modding communities and highlights the challenges of transitioning from a gamer to a developer. The conversation also covers the importance of early marketing strategies in a crowded landscape and the future of VR gaming with advancements like the Quest 3S. Masher expresses excitement about converting beloved games into interactive experiences that push the boundaries of virtual reality.
Flat2VR Studios aims to transform modding from a hobby into a career, enabling developers to create compelling VR experiences full-time.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of integrating proactive marketing strategies into game development to enhance visibility and success in the saturated VR market.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Flat2VR Studios
Flat2VR Studios emerged from a collaborative effort among a passionate group of modders and developers who initially worked independently to bring favorite flat games into virtual reality. Recognizing the lack of structured support for these modders, Eric Masher, alongside his co-founders, established a business model that aimed to transform modding as a hobby into a viable career path. Their approach involved formalizing the development process, allowing talented creators to contribute full-time, thereby helping them escape traditional jobs while pursuing their passion for VR. The studio focuses on converting beloved 2D titles into engaging VR experiences, enhancing gameplay to feel authentic to the medium rather than just being simple ports.
Addressing the Challenges of VR Game Marketing
The podcast highlights the significant challenges surrounding the marketing and discoverability of VR games in a saturated market, particularly within the Meta ecosystem. Impact Reality identified a gap in PR and marketing tailored specifically for the unique needs of VR developers, which led to the establishment of their firm to support these creators effectively. By anticipating the marketing needs throughout the development process rather than as an afterthought, they aim to ensure a game's visibility and success upon release. This proactive approach underscores the importance of integrating marketing strategies into all stages of game development to cut through the noise of competing titles.
The Importance of Authentic VR Experiences
A key focus for Flat2VR Studios is to create authentic VR experiences that genuinely resonate with players, avoiding the pitfalls of poorly executed ports. They emphasize the need to fully immerse players in the reimagined games, rather than simply translating existing gameplay mechanics into VR without consideration for the medium's unique capabilities. For instance, the development of Trombone Champ involved a comprehensive redesign to make the game feel native to VR, resulting in a version that has received high praise from the original developers. This dedication to quality and immersive gameplay aims to elevate the VR industry and foster a positive perception among newcomers to the platform.
Looking Towards the Future of VR Gaming
Despite current market challenges, there is optimism surrounding the future of VR gaming, particularly as technology continues to advance. Eric Masher believes that with ongoing developments in hardware, like the Quest 3S, and the introduction of more affordable devices, the potential to attract a wider audience is significant. This anticipated growth will not only benefit new players but will also reinforce the value of reintroducing classic titles to modern audiences in a virtual format. The podcast reveals a strong commitment to expanding and evolving the VR landscape, as well as a plan to release multiple titles in the upcoming years, showcasing the studio's excitement for what the future holds.
I interviewed Eric Masher, Chief Operating Officer for Impact Reality and Flat2VR Studios, at Meta Connect 2024. See more context in the rough transcript below.
Here's the trailer for the first four releases for Flat2VR Studios:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHJpfDgcWOQ
This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon.
Music: Fatality
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