As another year unfolds in the ever-expanding world of virtual reality, it’s clear VR shows no signs of slowing down. Nearly a decade in, this immersive medium keeps pushing boundaries, reshaping gaming, creativity, and connection in both subtle and profound ways.
The year 2024 has proven to be one of significant milestones, with the potential of VR becoming increasingly undeniable. We’re not just seeing more blockbuster games; the lineup includes highly-anticipated titles and ambitious indie projects. These releases demonstrate that VR has moved beyond being a niche market, proving profitable and engaging for developers and gamers alike.
This year stands out due to the focus on refinement. Developers are applying insights gained over the past ten years to take VR into a new era of comfort, immersion, and accessibility. Whether you’re into groundbreaking mechanics, unforgettable narratives, or stunning visuals that truly transport you, 2024 offers plenty to celebrate—and a whole lot to look forward to.
And with that, let’s dive into Road to VR’s 2024 Game of the Year Awards.
Skydance’s Behemoth
- Developer: Skydance Games
- Available On: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR
- Release Date: December 5th, 2024
In the realm of PC VR, these games occupy a unique space. Unlike the standalone Quest platform and the cleverly optimized PSVR 2, PC VR caters to those who love pushing their hardware to the brink for maximum quality.
But immersion transcends visuals. It’s about crafting believable worlds, authentic NPCs, enveloping soundscapes, and, of course, jaw-dropping set pieces. Few VR titles have mastered this mix like Skydance’s Behemoth. The game draws heavily on the lessons learned from Skydance’s earlier success with The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners (2020), especially in immersive worldbuilding and physics-based melee combat.
Before you even face your first Behemoth battle, the game has you combining all your acquired skills—climbing, grappling, long-range shots. Your approach to tackling enemies is up to you: whether using Legendary weapons worth upgrading or experimenting with enemy gear. With elements like the massive buster sword, Behemoth captures the essence of what makes VR gaming extraordinary, earning it the top spot in our PC VR category.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Developer: Camouflaj
- Publisher: Oculus Studios / Meta
- Available On: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: October 21st, 2024
Batman: Arkham Shadow fascinates as a revival of the series after nearly a decade, with none of the original creators at the helm. Instead of merely porting an Arkham game to VR, Camouflaj rethought the experience for the new medium, understanding the core of an Arkham game and reinventing it in VR.
Combat, the heart of Arkham games, required a novel approach in VR. Camouflaj devised a system where players could rapidly engage enemies by swinging their fists, evolving the complexity of Arkham’s iconic fight sequences as the game progresses. In doing so, they crafted a game worthy of the Quest Game of the Year award.
Metro Awakening
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Available On: PSVR 2, Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: November 7th, 2024
The Metro series’ unmistakable post-apocalyptic atmosphere translates vividly to VR, a testament to the dreams of many fans. Vertigo Games, leaning into their VR expertise, captures the series’ essence, producing weapons and environments that respect Metro’s gritty identity.
Everything, from the interactive crossbow to the game’s atmospheric audio, nurtures immersion. The unique inventory system lets players intuitively manage their gear, further embedding the player in the world. These innovations, alongside its chilling ambiance, secured Metro Awakening the Excellence in Immersion award.
Starship Home
- Developer: Creature
- Available On: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: September 26th, 2024
Even as the technology evolves, VR headsets, like Quest 3, are yet to fully grasp physical spaces, holding back mixed reality. However, Starship Home breaks through, offering an essential step forward. It enables players to set modules around their rooms, creating an engaging sci-fi experience that blurs the lines between game and reality.
The game’s unique approach to mixed reality integrations makes it a standout, suggesting a promising path for the future of MR gaming.
UNDERDOGS
- Developer: One Hamsa
- Available On: Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: January 25th, 2024
UNDERDOGS, from indie developer One Hamsa, takes home awards for both Excellence in Locomotion and Excellence in Indie Development. The game builds its identity around its unique movement system, offering a fresh take on arm-based locomotion as players maneuver mechs across the terrain. The result is fun, fluid gameplay that feels intrinsic, not just an afterthought.
Blade & Sorcery
- Developer: Warpfrog
- Available On: PC VR, Quest
- Release Date: June 17th, 2024
Blade & Sorcery, noted for its intense physics-based combat, continues to grow and evolve. The long-awaited 1.0 update delivers an immersive world with a new story mode that ties its various elements together, providing the depth fans have longed for. Warpfrog’s dedication to refining and expanding the title is as commendable as the game’s initial groundbreaking impact.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened!
- Developer: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
- Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
- Available On: Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2
- Release Date: November 26th, 2024
Trombone Champ: Unflattened!, expertly adapted by Flat2VR Studios, transitions from 2D rhythm game to an uproariously entertaining VR experience. With a meticulous reimagining of gameplay to fit VR, this title is a promising example of Flat2VR’s prowess in porting games, setting high expectations for future projects.
Note: To be considered for Road to VR’s Game of the Year Award, games must have been publicly available before December 20th, 2024, and fully support the target platform.
