Exploring the World of VR Development and Fast Travel’s Latest Adventure
Fast Travel Games was founded in 2016 by veteran game developers eager to dive into the emerging realm of VR gaming. Following the success of their inaugural title, Apex Construct, the studio has undergone substantial growth, boasting a portfolio of successful VR games and earning several notable accolades
Their latest venture, Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game, represents their most ambitious undertaking yet. This VR action roguelite game, set in the expansive universe of Stellaris, marks a significant milestone for the studio. I sat down with the team to discuss the unique challenges, joys, inspirations, and memorable moments encountered during the development of Ghost Signal.
Many of your team members come from backgrounds in traditional game development. What was the most significant hurdle when transitioning to VR?
Transitioning to VR presented a myriad of challenges for our team. While our core development skills remained applicable, the complexities of VR introduced a host of new considerations. From hand interactions and user comfort to ensuring consistent performance and world scale, the intricacies were manifold. Over time, we’ve refined our approach to address these challenges, but the initial transition underscored the depth of the medium.
Do you still feel as though you’re pioneering new ground with your work in VR?
While we’ve made significant strides and released multiple titles, the landscape of VR remains dynamic and ever-evolving. With each new project, we encounter fresh challenges and opportunities for innovation. As industry leaders, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of VR gaming and remain steadfast in our pursuit of groundbreaking experiences.
What recent hurdles have you faced in your VR endeavours?
At Fast Travel Games, our focus on delivering immersive experiences for core gamers presents ongoing challenges. Crafting multi-hour experiences with complex systems and mechanics within the dynamic VR environment is no small feat. Often, we find ourselves pioneering new systems or mechanics, with few reference points to guide us. Despite these hurdles, we’ve navigated them with resilience and innovation.
What unique satisfaction do you derive from your work in VR?
For us, the satisfaction lies in pioneering ambitious VR gaming experiences. As one of the leading studios in this space, we bear a responsibility to push the boundaries of VR gaming. Witnessing the positive reactions from players reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. Ghost Signal’s acclaim serves as a testament to our dedication to the medium.
Do you have a favourite VR feature or system in Ghost Signal?
Personally, witnessing the vibrant universe of Stellaris come to life in VR is immensely gratifying. Ghost Signal marks the first time that the rich lore of the Stellaris franchise has been realised in VR, offering both fans and newcomers a captivating experience. Additionally, our integration of hand-tracking technology represents a significant milestone, enhancing accessibility and immersion for players.
Given your experience with hand tracking in previous titles like The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets, what do you envision as the next exciting feature for VR games?
The industry is on the cusp of exciting advancements, particularly with the upcoming releases of Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. The incorporation of mixed reality features in these headsets opens new avenues for exploration. While we remain dedicated to VR gaming, we’re eager to explore opportunities in this realm. Additionally, advancements in performance and visual fidelity promise to elevate the overall VR experience.
Are there any distant VR features that you’re eagerly anticipating?
The advent of true haptic technology stands out as a game-changing development. While our current physics systems offer convincing interactions, true haptic feedback will revolutionise immersion in VR gaming. The ability to feel the weight of objects and experience realistic tactile sensations represents a significant leap forward for the medium.
Thank you for sharing your insights, and I look forward to Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice!
Thank you! We’re excited to bring our vision to life in Vampire, delivering complex systems, immersive interactions, and compelling gameplay. It’s our most ambitious project yet and the perfect complement to the upcoming release of Ghost Signal on PS VR2 and PC VR for the holiday season.
You can learn more about Fast Travel games at their site. You can follow their development on their Instagram page, Facebook page, or Youtube Channel. And of course you can buy their games on Steam or the Meta store.
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