High on Life Developers Discuss Bringing the Hit Shooter to Meta Quest Headsets

High on Life is making the transition to virtual reality. Flat2VR Studios and Impact Reality are working alongside Squanch Games to bring the hit 2022 shooter to Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets. While the project is still in early development, the teams are tackling the complex challenge of adapting a massive, console and PC-scale game for standalone VR hardware.

According to Impact Reality co-founder and Flat2VR chief operating officer Eric Masher, the virtual reality market has grown significantly. Quest headsets have reached an estimated user base of 30 million to 40 million. Free-to-play titles like Gorilla Tag have generated over $100 million in revenue, and younger players are growing up with disposable income and a preference for immersive hardware. Flat2VR aims to supply these audiences with deeper, high-quality games.

Technical optimization remains a primary hurdle. High on Life VR game director Emily O'Neal noted that fitting the game's animations and diverse worlds onto a standalone platform requires substantial engineering. The development team is upgrading the project to a modern version of Unreal Engine to manage asset loading and maintain a target frame rate of 72 frames per second in real time.

The Gatlian firearms serve as the centerpiece of the adaptation. Developers are designing reload mechanics and tactile features so players can fidget with the talking weapons and feel like they are holding living creatures. Knifey, the sentient and bloodthirsty melee tool, is receiving dedicated attention with new virtual reality systems that support a Knifey-first playstyle.

Motion sickness is another major focus for the team. The developers are retaining the fast-paced traversal abilities of the bounty suit while implementing stability measures and accessibility settings. Options will include snap turning, smooth turning, and customizable turning speeds to help players control comfort.