In my opinion, VR is in the same state as 3-D TVs or Google Glass; an interesting experiment that has a long, long way to go. I can’t wait for it to get there – trust me – but it still has a lot more time to cook.
While at the event I also came across some neat MMOs and multiplayer games. Here are some shout-outs:
Wakfu’s booth was bright, fun and inviting. It was cool to meet up with Sabi, the English community manager. If you have not checked on Wakfu in a while, the relaunched newbie levels are a blast to play and make the game much more accessible. For boardgame lovers, the Krosmaster board game is amazing. You should check it out.
MyDream had a small section in the Humble Bundle booth. Unfortunately, (and because I am a dork) I missed a potential meeting with the team because I forgot to turn the one corner that would have led me to them, but if you want to hear my thoughts on the Minecraft-esque game, check them out here.
If browser-based Pirate-themed action games are your thing, you might check out Son Korsan, a bright title that hails from Turkey. The team was barely set up when I arrived (and the usual con wifi prevented me from playing much) but you can check out the game for free.
Spacetime Studios was busy showing off its latest MOBA, Call of Champions. Described from the official site, the game is:
“…the MOBA refined for mobile and designed for competition. With strategic champion gameplay, five minute short-form matches, unique tournament structures, and in-depth social features, players can prove that they're the best mobile gamer in the world!”
Check out the official site here.
Town of Salem is an interesting browser-based game of “murder, deception, lying, and mob hysteria.” No, it’s not that game of Salem but this one does look and feel familiar. I spent a little time with it and it feels almost like a cross between a game of charades and a session of Die2Nite. I will need to get more time with it to give my full review. You can check it out for free here.
In other news, Starlight Tactics and Starlight Inception seemed to be good candidates for a weekend gaming session. Tactics is more of a singleplayer tactical game while Inception is a Freelance-style sim.
I had a blast at the SXSW Gaming Expo. It was free, which was great, and is an awesome way to meet up with other gamers and game makers. If you ever get a chance, check it out.
As I said before, VR didn’t impress me that much. For the record, it has never really impressed me but I would need to get some real time inside a pair of goggles before I complain too much. For now, it all reads a bit like a scene from a silly Ben Bova Mars novel (“Put on your headsets and gloves, kids!”)
It’ll get there, one day.