Hardware manufacturer HTC today announced the launch of Vive Studios, an internal software development and publishing division focused on the production of first-party virtual reality content.
The group’s first game, Arcade Saga, offers a collection of classic arcade games that have been rebuilt and remastered for the HTC Vive virtual reality headset.
This week’s Vive Studios launch follows up on HTC’s many recent attempts to establish itself as a major player in the virtual reality industry. In September, the company introduced Viveport, a comprehensive app store specifically for virtual reality games and applications. An equivalent storefront for Android devices later launched in October.
HTC’s Vive headset has gained traction among VR enthusiasts over the past year, with many compatible games launching via both Viveport and Steam. Powered by SteamVR, the HTC Vive earned the support of more than 300 companies and developers who licensed SteamVR Tracking technology over the past two months.
In addition to serving as a first-party developer of VR games and applications, Vive Studios “will bring to market VR content created by HTC’s internal studios as well as through publishing partnerships with external developers,” according to HTC.
“We’re excited to formally unveil Vive Studios as a new pillar in HTC’s initiative to drive persistent growth for VR,” said HTC Vive’s VP of content Joel Breton. “Vive Studios’ aim is to nurture and discover development talent and help create content that will continually push the boundaries of the kinds of experiences VR can deliver.”
“The VR ecosystem needs a persistent flow of exciting experiences and AAA content that can help grow our audience. We’re excited to mark our launch with the debut of our first internally developed title Arcade Saga, a game that represents the kind of deeper and more challenging experience we believe VR enthusiasts are ready to embrace.”
Arcade Saga, available now via Steam, features virtual reality-powered takes on the classic arcade games Pong and Breakout, along with a shooting gallery mode that uses tracked motion controllers for input. The three-game compilation is priced at $30.
