It’s hard to resist the fact that virtual reality has come to stay. A lot of experimentation has been done since the announcement of the earliest VR sets, and the impending consumer release of the Oculus rift will soon bring the technology closer in accessibility to the mainstream audience. Recently the winners of the Mobile VR Jam 2015, one of many events that encourages VR experimentation, were announced. The top games aimed to prove the power virtual reality has to create immersive adventure games, and also how it can be versatile and open to other genres. All games submitted were developed within four weeks.
The Platinum Game prize was given to SteamCrew VR (trailer above), a game where two players control a steampunk submarine through dangerous waters looking for treasures and giant monsters. According to a post on the Oculus Rift blog: “It’s a hilariously good time that highlights just how great VR can be when immersed in a new world with friends.”
The prize for best app or experience was given to The Night Cafe. The game is an exploration through a world heavily inspired but Vincent van Gogh works. Through colors and his authentic artstyle, players are able to jump into one of his art pieces and see more than what the eye can usually catch.
Other games and apps also earned awards. DRIFT puts the player in the first-person view of a bullet, while Colosse relies on storytelling about a Great Spirit. The full list of winners can be found here.