Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick is known for being very upfront with media and investors about where he thinks technology, especially around games, is heading. And during today’s earnings call, Zelnick made his thoughts clear on a subject that’s recently been popular in tech circles: artificial intelligence, and whether or not it will transform game development.
Zelnick offered a lengthy response to a question about AI technology like ChatGPT, opening by noting his own historic skepticism around overwrough technology hype and saying that while AI stands for artificial intelligence, “there is no such thing as artificial intelligence.”
That said, he’s “really excited” about the current leaps being made by AI and machine learning, and believes that tools are actively being created that will eventually reduce development costs in gaming. However, he doesn’t think it’s going to impact overall cost structure – because if development becomes easier, he says, developers and publisher will simply want to do even more.
“The belief among college students [is] that ChatGPT is now going to allow them to make a query and send their homework. The problem is if the question is, ‘Describe what actually happened on the night of Paul Revere’s ride’, and everyone gets the same question, which you do in class, and everyone uses ChatGPT, oops, everyone’s going to submit the same essay, last time I checked.
“ChatGPT is today’s hand calculator. When I was a kid, there was no such thing, I hate to admit, but it’s true, so I had to do math longhand. And then hand calculators came along and parents were up in arms and thought, ‘Oh kids won’t have to learn math anymore,’ and the answer is yes, you still have to learn math, turns out, you absolutely have to learn math, but you have a tool that makes it easier to do. And ChatGPT is the same thing.
“We are ushering in a very exciting era of new tools and they’re going to allow our teams and our competitors’ teams to do really interesting things more efficiently, so we’re going to want to do more, we’re going to want to be even more creative. And no, it’s not going to allow someone to say, ‘Please develop the competitor to Grand Theft Auto that’s better than Grand Theft Auto’, and then they just send it out and ship it digitally and that will be that. People will try, but that won’t happen.”
Additionally, Zelnick offered some commentary on another technological topic: cloud gaming. When asked about this subject, Zelnick acknowledged Take-Two believed in the tech and had, in fact, been an early supporter of recently defunct Google Stadia.
“Cloud gaming is a technology, not a business model,” he said. “It’s a distribution technology. And our view is broader distribution is always a good thing in the entertainment business. If we can reach more consumers with our properties we’re happy to do it as long as the terms make sense, and I think broader distribution over time probably benefits us in any number of ways including the cost of distribution which I believe will go down over time.
“That said, I’ve never felt like cloud gaming would represent a seismic change, because I think if you’re prepared to pay $60 or $70 for a frontline title, you’re also prepared to buy a console, and I think Stadia found that out. So bringing high quality titles to consumers that don’t have consoles will probably have an effect around the edges but I don’t think it’ll be a revolution in the business. I think it will be more an evolution in the business. And there are still technical challenges to be addressed.”
After years apparently in development hell, Ghost Story Games appears to finally be ready to show us more of its mysterious FPS, Judas. We got our first real look at the next game from BioShock creator Ken Levine at The Game Awards last December, and according to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, we’ll get to actually play it for ourselves…sometime before the end of March of 2025.
This comes from Take-Two’s quarterly earnings report, which outlines that it has 87 total games planned for release between fiscal 2023 (the fiscal year we’re in now, which concludes at the end of March) and fiscal 2025 (which ends at the end of March 2025). Speaking to IGN ahead of the earnings release, I asked Zelnick if Judas was included in that 87 number, and he said yes.
That said, delays happen all the time, 2025 is far away, and delays have been especially prevalent across AAA game development in recent years. I followed up by asking Zelnick if he anticipated significant delays to impact that promise of 87 games, and while he acknowledged some delays were always possible, he seemed confident in the plan Take-Two is putting out to its investors.
“We did have some slippage in the last few years,” he said. “We feel really stable right now. I feel great about our upcoming schedule. Of course there’s always the possibility of some slippage but the teams seem to be functioning really well and I’m optimistic about delivering great titles to the marketplace on an ongoing basis.”
In the same conversation, Zelnick clarified the possibility of layoffs at the publisher in the coming months, saying that while some jobs may be lost, he expects the impact to be “modest.” He also discussed the GTA 6 leaks from late last year and their emotional impact on the team.
As for Judas, we got our first true look at Ken Levine and Ghost Story’s upcoming project at The Game Awards last year. We know that it’s a single-player, narrative first-person shooter that’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Game Store.
Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.
There are a ton of changes and new things in the latest Disney Dreamlight Valley update, including new characters, new features, and quality-of-life updates. We’re still finding out all the new content that has been added to the game in the February update, so be patient as we discover more!
Major League Baseball, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and San Diego Studio are partnering to introduce legends from baseball’s Negro Leagues to MLB The Show 23.
In a video posted to MLB’s Twitter, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick spoke about the partnership, saying the museum is thrilled to “take you on a journey back to the Negro Leagues and introduce you to some of the baddest brothers and sisters to ever play this game.” You can check out the full video for yourself below, which introduces the players and shares some brief history of the Negro Leagues.
MLB The Show 23’s new game mode is called Storylines: A New Game Experience Celebrating The Negro Leagues. Eight Negro League legends are a part of MLB The Show 23: Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Buck O’Neil, Rube Foster, Hilton Smith, Hank Thompson, John Donaldson and Martín Dihigo.
MLB announced that Storylines will feature a narrative experience for each featured Negro League player, with “short videos about the players mixed with gameplay centered on important moments of their careers.” The players will also be available in exhibition mode and other areas of the game.
This isn’t just a one-off idea, either. MLB The Show 23 will feature Season 1 of Storylines, with every new MLB The Show game including a new roster of Negro League legends. Kendrick will narrate the stories in the mode, and also helped select the list of Negro Leaguers to introduce over the next several years.
San Diego Studio will also donate $1 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for every copy of MLB The Show 23 Collector’s Edition sold from now to the end of 2023.
The Negro Leagues was established on February 13, 1920. They operated from 1920 until around 1960, giving African Americans and Latin Americans a place to play baseball when Major League Baseball was segregated. The Negro Leagues saw some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and in 2020, MLB bestowed Major League status upon seven professional Negro Leagues, officially recognizing over 3,000 players as Major Leaguers.
Last week, we learned the cover athletes for MLB The Show 23. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins will headline the standard edition, while New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter will grace the Captain Edition of the game. MLB The Show 23 launches on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on March 28, 2023.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.
Superman’s son Jon Kent is spinning out into a new DC Comics series called Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent, but there’s a big piece of the story DC hasn’t revealed until now. The series will feature Jon crossing over into the Injustice: Gods Among Us universe.
Adventures of Superman is one of several books included in DC’s line-wide revamp of the Superman franchise this year. Up till now, DC only revealed that the series will feature a rematch between Jon and Earth-3’s Ultraman (a villain who’s busy trying to murder the Supermen of the multiverse) and that Jon’s powers are beginning to flare out of control. Now we know that Jon will be further tested by meeting a version of his father who was driven to become a despotic tyrant instead of a force for good.
This is an auspicious crossover, considering that series writer Tom Taylor also penned the bulk of DC’s Injustice: Gods Among Us and Injustice 2 comics. Taylor has helped greatly flesh out a universe where Superman is driven mad by the deaths of his wife and unborn child. So what happens when he meets his son from another universe?
“Injustice for me is a very troubled time,” Taylor told DC.com. “I had so much fun on that book. Obviously, I was on it for years. I think I was originally hired for fifteen chapters, and I wrote over 150. But there’s a lot about Injustice that that rubs me up the wrong way. I don’t believe Superman, no matter what happens to him, can become that person. I don’t believe Wonder Woman becomes that person. So, for me, it’s a really interesting Elseworld, and throwing Jon Kent as sort of that beacon of hope and in a way, quite an innocent character and a character who wants the best for the world, throwing him into that world where his father has become a dictator gives us so much to play with. I’ve been talking about this story to all my friends who will listen for months, long before we knew where we were going with this.”
Taylor revealed that Jon will arrive in the Injustice universe during the period of Injustice 2: Year 5, meaning it takes place shortly before the events of the second game. He also noted that while Jon’s encounters with the Injustice Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman will be key moments in the series, there’s another character who’s relationship to Jon becomes key.
“I guess the biggest one—and I wasn’t going to give this away, but you know what, for anyone reading this I will—there is a different Damian Wayne in the Injustice world. Literally his best friend is essentially not on the side of the angels in this world. That is going to give us a very fun and entertaining dynamic and quite a tortured dynamic to play with.”
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 is slated for release on March 17, 2023.
Overwatch 2 Season 3 will not only feature an Asian Mythology theme, a new Antarctica Control map, and a Valentine’s Day-themed browser-based Overwatch Dating Simulator, but it will also see the game’s first IP collaboration with Doomfist’s One-Punch Man skin.
As for the other additions in Season 3, the first one discussed was the new Antarctica Control map. Fans may remember that the main facility of Ecopoint: Antarctica was seen in Mei’s “Rise and Shine” cinematic, but this will be the first time players will be able to explore it to the fullest. Blizzard promises it is a “lore-rich tundra with several stories yet to be told.”
As previously mentioned, Season 3 as a whole will have an Asian Mythology theme. Alongside featuring Overwatch’s “most unique skins to date,” those who complete the Premium Battle Pass will be able to unlock the Amaterasu Kiriko Mythic skin, which is “inspired by various deities in Japanese mythology with customizations you can mix and match themed for the moon, the sea, and storms.” As an added bonus, Kiriko’s spirit fox even gets a new look with the skin.
Players will also be happy to know that Season 3 will offer even more rewards for just logging in and playing Overwatch 2. There will be 10 additional tiers on the free Battle Pass track and an additional 1,500 credits to earn, while the premium track will add an additional 500 Credits.
Blizzard also noted that all 300 Epic and Legendary event hero skins from Overwatch have been added to the Hero Gallery and will always be available for purchase, and they have also gotten a discount from 1,900 Credits to 1,500 Credits.
Lastly, skins and cosmetics will be earnable outside the Battle Pass via in-game events, and more details will be revealed in the future.
As for the Loverwatch Dating Sim, it will be part of the Ultimate Valentine event that will see a Hanzo 4v4 Limited Time Mode and Support-themed challenges added to the game alongside two epic skins and other rewards.
Loverwatch is a non-canon text-based dating sim where players will have the chance to try to date Mercy or Genji. There will be dialogue options to choose from, and a Cupid that looks “suspiciously like Hanzo” will assist you. If you are able to unlock the secret ending, you will earn a themed POTG Highlight. Loverwatch will be available at this link and will be playable from February 13-28 and will take about 30 minutes to complete.
There is so much more coming in Season 3, including the return of PachiMarchi from March 21 to April 4, a ton of balance, matchmaking, and quality-of-life changes, the Overwatch World Cup celebration, streamer mode and accessibility improvements, and more.
For more, check out our Overwatch 2 review, where we said its “switch to a 5v5 format breathes new life into what was once the sharpest shooter around. It just hasn’t quite recaptured all of that glory – yet.” Maybe Season 3 will get it even closer to that glory.
Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Steam Next Fest is back with a veritable truck ton of fresh game demos to sample, and we’ve been plunging our eager little mitts into the latest batch of indie delights to unearth some handy recommendations for you to hit first. Running from now until February 13th, there are always oodles of demos to try in a Next Fest, so sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand in working out what’s worth sinking your time into. Below, we’ve rounded up 16 of our favourites so far, and we’ll be writing about plenty more demos we’ve yet to try over the coming week.
Do you wanna build a snowman? Too late, he already built himself, and he’s coming to your game very soon. Surprise!
We won’t have to wait long for Disney Dreamlight Valley‘s latest update to get added to the game, as Gameloft announced today that it would be releasing on February 16th.
There’s a ton of exciting activities for all types of players on the horizon in Season 3, with a new map, Battle Pass, and even a full dating sim for Valentine’s Day.
Matchmaking, competitive, Hero balance tweaks, and more have been implemented to improve the overall experience in Overwatch 2.
It’s time to bundle up and prepare for an arctic chill with the launch of Overwatch 2 – Season 3 on Tuesday, February 7, kicking off a month of exciting activities for all types of players with a new map, Battle Pass, and tons of other fun surprises in store.
New Reward System and Permanent Discounts on Epic and Legendary Overwatch Skins
One of the big changes for Overwatch 2 – Season 3 will be the rollout of 10 additional tiers of rewards along the free track. Part of this includes 1500 Credits to spend in the Hero Gallery in addition to 500 additional Credits for the Premium track.
If you’ve been holding out on dropping some Coins or Credits on Epic and Legendary skins, then you’re in luck. Prices have been lowered on nearly all 300 of these skins from the original game and can be found in the Hero Gallery – these will always be available for purchase with Coins or Credits.
This is in addition to the login bonuses and the in-game challenges that are part of Season 3. This will include a new, earnable Legendary Overwatch 2 Skin that will be part of an upcoming IP collaboration with Japanese Anime “One-Punch Man” to bring themed skins and cosmetics to the game, including Twitch Drops, all of which are detailed here on the official Overwatch Blog.
Take Control of the Antarctica Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula is the first new Control map for Overwatch 2 and takes inspiration from the iconic Ecopoint base featured in the “Rise and Shine” animated short that chronicled some of Mei’s backstory. The base, created by Overwatch to help find the cause of the planet’s radical change in climate, housed many scientists, along with Mei, who were in the middle of this research when they were trapped by a massive storm. Deciding to enter cryostasis to wait for rescue by Overwatch, Mei would be the only one to survive this ordeal and awaken some 10 years later. It was from here that she dedicated herself to carrying on the work of her fellow scientists.
This snow-themed map will include several lore tidbits scattered throughout for eagle-eyed fans to find, like an ice-breaker ship stuck in the ice that attempted to save Mei and her friends, as well as an underground drilling station that hints at some of work these scientists were up to.
“There are so many areas that we think players are going to love exploring in the new Antarctica map,” mentions Overwatch 2 Art Director Dion Rogers. “But I will say that fighting in an abandoned ice breaker ship is pretty rad.”
Additional level designs will feature flanks and high ground elements that can make or break a team’s success. Also, be sure to say hello to some of the facility’s current residents…
“Antarctica is a unique map.” says Overwatch 2 Lead Narrative Designer Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie. “Not only does it hint at the mysterious answers to a number of long-standing questions about the lore, it spans a number of locations in Antarctica, offering a lot of gameplay variety, new places to explore, and easter eggs to find. It also has penguins,”
New Accessibility and Game Balancing Features
In addition to all the Season 3 details, a series of matchmaking, competitive, Hero balance tweaks, and more have been implemented to improve the overall experience in Overwatch 2 – check out the official blog for a complete breakdown of this.
There have also been a slew of accessibility updates as well, like text scalability, character portrait icons, speaker name, text color changes, background color changes, and subtitle preview. In addition, a setting to select custom colors for Group and Alerts in the UI, which can be previewed before saving for easier setup. You can find all these features live now as part of Overwatch 2 – Season 3.
Overwatch 2 is for Lovers in February
This month, Overwatch 2 will have two Valentine’s themed events. The first up will be a text-based dating sim (seriously) where you can choose to spend quality time with either Mercy or Genji with Hanzo… er, Cupid… as your guide. We’ll have to see how this shakes out when it launches February 13 on Loverwatch.gg, but it seems like a fun way to get to know a few of the Heroes from Overwatch a little better. If you manage to unlock the secret ending, you’ll be rewarded with a themed Play of the Game highlight. There will also be the Overwatch: Ultimate Valentine event available from February 14 to 28; stay tuned to the official Overwatch Blog for more details in a few weeks.
PachiMarchi Returns
Everyone’s favorite adorable onion… thing… is back! PachiMarchi will be part of a new limited time Kill Confirmed game mode from March 21 to April 4 where you can earn up to six unique player icons, a weapon charm, name card, and an epic Roadhog skin — if it’s anything like last time, expect another series of adorable designs to cover our favorite one-man apocalypse. Stay tuned for further details when the PachMarchi event kicks off on March 21.
Jump in and start playing Overwatch 2today for free on Xbox Series X|S and don’t forget to stay tuned for all the awesome in-game activities on the horizon.
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Team up with friends and dive into the reimagined PvP experience as a time-jumping freedom fighter, a beat-dropping battlefield DJ, or one of over 30 other unique heroes as you battle it out around the globe.
36 HEROES, 23 MAPS AND 6 GAME MODES
Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of 36 distinct heroes. Take them into battle across 23 futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master six unique game modes.
SEASON TWO IS NOW LIVE
New heroes, maps, and game modes will be added in seasonal updates every nine weeks. Drop into Season Two to unlock the latest hero, Ramattra, and over 20 tiers of completely free rewards on the Battle Pass. Purchase the Premium Battle Pass to unlock even more cosmetic rewards including the all-new Mythic Zeus Junker Queen skin, legendary skins, sprays, voice lines, weapon charms, and more!
A mobile phone number must be linked to your Battle.net Account to play Overwatch.
Gear up for Overwatch® 2 with the Watchpoint Pack!
The pack includes the following Overwatch® 2 in-game content: Season Two Premium Battle Pass, 7 Legendary skins (including 2 all-new Space Raider skins), 5 Epic skins, 2,000 Overwatch® Coins and instant access to all 32 Overwatch 1 Heroes as well as the new Tank hero Ramattra.*
With the Season Two Premium Battle Pass you can unlock over 80 Tiers of rewards including Mythic Zeus Junker Queen, Legendary Poseidon Ramattra, and more. In addition, as a Season Two Premium Battle Pass owner you will automatically receive access to Overwatch’s latest hero, Ramattra!*
A mobile phone number must be linked to your Battle.net Account to play Overwatch.
*Instant Access to the Season Two Battle Pass subject to logging in to Overwatch 2 during Season Two. Provides the Season Two Battle Pass and will not award access to heroes, Battle Passes or seasonal/live content introduced after Season Two.
If you have any question about PS VR2, you should expect to find it answered here in this ultimate guide. And if it doesn’t have what you’re looking for, leave us a note in the comments below. We’ll do our best to update this guide before, during and after launch.
What is PlayStation VR2’s release date and its retail price?
PlayStation VR2 will be available globally on February 22, 2023 starting at the following prices:
$549.99 / €599.99 / £529.99 / ¥74,980 recommended retail price (including tax for GBP, EUR, and JPY). Actual retailer prices may vary.
Availability in each country/region is subject to local import regulations.
What’s included in the PS VR2 box?
PlayStation VR2 will be available in two options at launch.
PlayStation VR2
Includes PS VR2 headset, PS VR2 Sense controller, stereo headphones with additional earpieces, USB cable
PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle
Includes PlayStation Store voucher code for Horizon Call of the Mountain, PS VR2 headset, PS VR2 Sense controller, stereo headphones with additional earpieces, USB cable.
How does PS VR2 enhance gameplay?
PS VR2 is a quantum leap for VR experiences, and allows you to interact in new and immersive ways powered by the PS5 console. With PlayStation VR2 Sense Technology, it combines PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, PlayStation VR2 headset feedback, 3D Audio, and eye tracking to bring emotion and immersion to life.
In a huge boost to visual clarity, the PS VR2 headset features an internal HDR OLED display that supports 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, along with a wider field of view to create a more seamless VR gameplay experience.
PS VR2 also features headset feedback with subtle haptic effects that add a tactile element to the sensory experience. Examples could include feeling your character’s heartbeat, the rush of objects passing close to your head, and more. Eye-tracking cameras follow your line of sight when aiming or looking around, with PS VR2 delivering a high-fidelity visual experience by adjusting resolutions to pinpoint and enhance whatever you’re focusing on (this is known as foveated rendering). The PS5 console’s advanced 3D audio features allow developers to create an incredibly realistic soundscape, too.
The included PS VR2 Sense controller also brings significant enhancements to the VR experience, including much more precise hand motion tracking than PS VR, finger touch detection, as well as haptic feedback and adaptive trigger effects similar to the DualSense wireless controller for the PS5 console.
And PS VR2’s setup is easy: One USB Type-C cord plugs directly into the PS5 console. “Inside out” cameras embedded into the headset track the movements of your head, making a simple, intuitive playing experience without the need for external cameras or other sensors.
Will PS VR2 work with the PS4 console?
PS VR2 is designed for the PS5 console, and will not work with the PS4 console.
What are the differences between PS VR2 and the first generation PS VR?
PlayStation VR
PlayStation VR2
Display method
OLED
OLED
Panel resolution
960×1080 per eye
2000 x 2040 per eye
Panel refresh rate
90Hz, 120Hz
90Hz, 120Hz
Lens separation
N/A
Adjustable
Field of View
Approx. 100 degrees
Approx. 110 degrees
Sensors
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor
Cameras
PlayStation Camera (external, for PS4, or compatible with PS5 via PS5 camera adaptor)
4 embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking IR camera for eye tracking per eye
Feedback
N/A
Vibration on headset
Communication with console
Processor unit: HDMI TV, HDMI PS4, USB, HDMI, AUX
USB Type-C®
Audio Input
Built-in microphone
Built-in microphone
Audio Output
Stereo headphone jack
Stereo headphone jack
Weight
Approx. 600g (21.16 oz) (excluding cables)
Approx. 560g (19.8 oz) (excluding cables)
External Dimensions
Approx. 187 × 185 × 277 mm (7.4 x 7.2 x 10.9 in) (width × height × length) excludes largest projection, headband at the shortest
Approx. 212 × 158 × 278 mm (8.3 × 6.2 × 10.9 in) (width × height × length) excludes largest projection, headband at the shortest
What are the different viewing modes on PS VR2?
There are two viewing modes.
VR Mode: You can enjoy VR game content in a 360 degree view in a virtual environment. Content will be displayed in 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.
Cinematic Mode: You can view the PS5 system and UI and all non-VR game and media content, such as streaming apps, on a virtual cinema screen. Content in Cinematic Mode will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rate. The audio and image will be only displayed on the VR headset and there is no output on the TV side when you are wearing VR headset and playing in Cinematic mode.
Does PS VR2 support HDR?
Yes, the PS VR2 headset will display supported content in HDR, both VR Mode and Cinematic Mode.
How do I connect the PS VR2 to my PS5?
It’s easy: just use the USB Type-C cable that is included for the PS VR2 headset to directly connect to your PS5 console.
How long is this included USB Type-C cable for the PS VR2 headset?
The included cable is approximately 4.5m (14.7 ft) long.
What is the minimum play space I need to use PS VR2?
There are three different VR Play Styles depending on the game content. Please check the compatibility notice for each title to ensure you have enough play space.
Roomscale (allows more movement)
A minimum play area of 2m × 2m (6 ft 7 in × 6 ft 7 in) in the room is required.
Sitting
Requires a minimum play area of 1m × 1m (3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in). Make sure you have enough space to move your arms freely.
Standing
Requires a minimum play area of 1m × 1m (3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in). Make sure you have enough space to move your arms freely.
Can I customize this play area?
The play area for PS VR2 can be customized by using the PS VR2 Sense controller and the cameras that are embedded in the PS VR2 headset. The cameras will allow you to scan the room, while the PS VR2 Sense controller allows you to expand and further customize the play area to fit your play style and room environment.
While playing, if you get close to the boundary you have set up, you will receive a warning that you are closely approaching the play area boundary. You can modify your settings at any time while PS VR2 is connected. Once you set up your play area, the settings will be saved unless you move into a different play area. You can use See-Through View to aid you at any time.
What is See-Through View?
With PS VR2, you can see your surroundings while wearing the headset with the new See-Through View feature. It comes in handy when you want to easily check where the PS VR2 Sense controller is in your room without taking the headset off.
Thanks to the embedded cameras on PS VR2, you can press the function button on the headset, or use the PlayStation VR2 Quick Settings in the Control Center, to switch between viewing your surroundings, or viewing the content on PS VR2. The Card in the Control Center also gives quick access to other PS VR2 settings, such as adjusting the play area.
The See-Through View is for viewing only, so there’s no recording option.
Does my room have to be dark for PS VR2 to work?
No, this is not necessary. For the best experience, we recommend playing PS VR2 in a well-lit room.
When I’m using PS VR2, will other people in the room be able to experience what I’m seeing?
Yes. Similar to PS VR, PS VR2 will also have Social Screen experience that allows others to see what you’re experiencing on the TV screen. Content is displayed in a 2D format. Please note this feature is only available when playing games in VR Mode.
Do I need a separate camera to use PS VR2?
No. With inside-out tracking, PS VR2 tracks you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded into the PS VR2 headset. Your movements and the direction you look at are reflected in-game without the need for an external camera.
Can I use the PS5 HD Camera with PS VR2?
While there is no need to use an external camera to experience PS VR2 since it has four embedded cameras on the headset, the PS5 HD camera can be used with PS VR2 if you want to film yourself while playing using PS VR2’s broadcast feature.
How do I switch between playing PS VR2 games, and PS5 games on my TV?
You will be able to access the Control Center during your play session to easily switch between PS VR2 and PS5 content.
Will PS VR2 receive system updates?
System updates for PS VR2 will be available through the PS5 console and players will be required to update to the latest version available.
How can I pre-order PS VR2?
In the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, players can pre-order PS VR2 from PlayStation’s online store at direct.playstation.com.
In other markets, PS VR2 will be sold at participating retailers.
What tips do you have to clean and maintain PS VR2?
For the PS VR2 headset and PS VR2 Sense controller surfaces, connectors, and ports, wipe clean with a soft dry cloth. Do not use thinners, benzine or alcohol. For lenses, wipe only with a soft, dry cloth made specifically for lens cleaning. Do not use paper towels or tissues that are not intended for lenses.
The lightshield can be removed from the PS VR2 headset and cleaned using water. Wipe the water off with a soft, dry cloth. Before using, air dry the light shield well in a place with good ventilation, before reattaching it back to the PS VR2 headset.
The integrated vents in the headset can be cleaned using a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove any dust buildup.
Download the image
The Headset
What is the video output in the headset?
The PS VR2 headset offers 4K HDR. The headset’s OLED display supports up to 2000×2040 per eye and refresh rates of 90/120Hz.
Can the headset be adjusted for different head sizes?
Yes, similar to the first-generation PS VR headset, PS VR2 has an adjustable scope, a headband release button that can stretch or tighten the width of the band, and a headband adjustment dial to further tighten the band and fix the positioning.
Can further adjustments be made in the viewfinder/scope area?
Yes, PS VR2 has a new lens adjustment dial, so you have an additional option to match the lens distance between your eyes to optimize your view.
Can I wear my glasses inside of the headset?
Yes, PS VR2 was designed to accommodate players who wear glasses. However, some very wide or unusually shaped glasses may not fit.
How is PS VR2 headset design an improvement over PS VR?
We received a lot of positive feedback on PS VR’s comfort, so we kept some of the same ergonomic features players will be familiar with, such as the simple headband that can be adjusted to fit the wearer’s head, and careful weight distribution in the headset so it feels light and comfortable.
We also created a slimmer design with an overall weight reduction – even with the new added features such as the built-in motor for the headset feedback. For PS VR2, we took comfort a few steps further by adding new features, such as the adjustable lens dial and new integrated exhaust vent to help minimize lenses fogging up while players are immersed in a VR game.
What additional sensory features are added compared to the first PS VR headset?
The headset feedback allows game designers to apply sensory feedback to the player’s head, increasing the feeling of immersion.
The PS VR2 headset can also detect the motion of your eyes using eye tracking, which has many possibilities for game design. Though game applications vary, some games allow you to look at an item to select it. This allows you to interact more intuitively in new and lifelike ways, allowing for a heightened emotional response and enhanced expression that provide a new level of realism in gaming.
Does the headset have PlayStation symbols embedded in it?
Yes, similar to the thousands of tiny PlayStation symbols we added to the surfaces of the PS5 console and DualSense controller, we also included tiny PlayStation symbols to the front and back bands of the PS VR2 headset. This adds a texture for a tactile feel for you to enjoy.
Does the headset have in-built mic, controls, and buttons?
The headset features a built-in microphone, a power button, and a function button that can switch to See Through View or mute/unmute the microphone.
Does the headset have a stereo headphone jack?
Yes. It’s the same placement as the original PS VR headset.
How long can I wear the PS VR2 headset for?
Taking inspiration from PS VR, PS VR2 is designed for comfort and can be worn for extended periods of time. Players’ responses to VR gameplay can differ, but generally, the vast majority of gamers should be able to enjoy playing on PS VR2. We recommend taking frequent breaks, and if you experience any discomfort, discontinue playing.
The PS VR2 headset is not for use by children under age 12.
Can I move around while wearing PS VR2?
Limited movement is okay when playing content that uses the “Roomscale” VR Play Style, if you stay within the play area while using PS VR2. You’ll get a warning if you move close to the boundary area that you’ve set up in your customized play area.
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PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller
What are the PS VR2 Sense controller features and buttons?
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer)Capacitive Sensor: Finger Touch DetectionIR LED: Position Tracking
Feedback
Trigger Effect (on R2/L2 button), Haptic Feedback (by single actuator per unit)
Port
USB Type-C® Port
Communication
Bluetooth® Ver 5.1
Battery
Built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
Weight
Approx. 168 g (5.93 oz) per controller
External Dimensions
137mm x 135mm x 107mm (5.4 x 5.3 x 4.2 inches) (width x height x depth) per controller
The new PS VR2 Sense controller enables players to feel and interact with games in a much more visceral way. There are several features, including key features from PS5’s DualSense controller, which match SIE’s vision for what the next-generation of VR games can be.
Adaptive Triggers: Each PS VR2 Sense controller (Left and Right) includes an adaptive trigger button that adds palpable tension when pressed, similar to what’s found in the DualSense wireless controller. For instance, when playing Horizon Call of the Mountain, you’ll feel the tension when drawing your bow.
Haptic Feedback: Optimized for its form factor, the PS VR2 Sense controller’s haptic feedback makes every sensation in the game world more impactful, textured, and nuanced. When you’re traversing through rocky desert or trading blows in melee combat, you’ll feel the difference, magnifying the extraordinary visual and audio experience that’s so central to VR.
Finger Touch Detection: The PS VR2 Sense controller can detect the approximate location of your fingers, enabling you to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay.
Tracking: The PS VR2 Sense controller is tracked by the PS VR2 headset through a tracking ring across the bottom of the controller.
Action Buttons / Analog Sticks: The Left controller contains one analog stick, the Triangle and Square buttons, a “grip” button (L1), trigger button (L2) and Create button. The Right controller contains one analog stick, the Cross and Circle buttons, a “grip” button (R1), trigger button (R2) and Options button. The “grip” button can be used to pick up in-game objects, as one example.
Can I use the PS Move controller with PS VR2? Or the PS VR Aim controller?
No, only the included PS VR2 Sense controller and the DualSense controller or DualSense Edge controller for PS5 are compatible with PS VR2. There will be a compatibility notice for each title, so players can check which controllers are compatible with a specific game.
How do I turn the PS VR2 Sense controller on and off?
You can turn on the PS VR2 Sense controller by pressing the PS button on the controller. To turn it off, go to Control Center > [Accessories] > [PS VR2 Sense Controller].
How do I sync the PS VR2 Sense controller with my PS5 or PS VR2 headset?
You can pair your PS VR2 Sense controller using the included USB cable.
Connect Right PS VR2 Sense controller to the PS5 via the included USB cable
Press PS Button on the Right PS VR2 Sense controller
Repeat the same steps for the Left PS VR2 Sense controller
How will I know how much charge I have on each PS VR2 Sense controller?
When you turn on the PS VR2 Sense controller, you can check the battery’s power level on the screen, similar to how the battery indicator is displayed for the DualSense wireless controller.
How do I recharge The PS VR2 Sense controller?
The PS VR2 Sense controller can be charged using the USB cable that’s included with the PS VR2 headset.
You can also use the PS VR2 Sense controller charging station, which is sold separately.
With the PS VR2 Sense Controller charging station, you can charge the PS VR2 Sense controller through a simple click-in design, without having to connect to a PS5 console – freeing up the console’s USB ports.
Can I use the PS VR2 Sense controller without the PS VR2 headset?
Yes, the PS VR2 Sense controller will work with the PS5 console without the use of a PS VR2 headset. PS VR2 Sense controller can be used in the PS5 user interface and Media application. You cannot use the PS VR2 Sense controller for non-PS VR2 supported games.
Are there accessibility options so I can use a single PS VR2 Sense controller, or customize the controls to use only one controller?
Both of the Left and Right PS VR2 Sense controllers need to be powered on. While button remapping is supported, and whether both the Left and Right PS VR2 Sense controllers are required will vary from game to game, both controllers are recommended for most gameplay.
Will the PS VR2 Sense controller be sold separately?
PS VR2 Sense controller is not sold separately at this time.
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PS VR2 Games
How many games will be available at launch for PS VR2?
More than 30 games will be available for the launch window including all-new titles and upgraded versions of preexisting PS VR titles. Please see the full list here.
How many games are in development for PS VR 2?
There are currently more than 100 titles in development for PS VR2.
How will I know which games are PS VR2 compatible?
There will be prominent branding elements that will indicate whether PS VR2 will be supported for a specific title.
Can I play PS VR games on PS VR2?
PS VR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience, with advanced features such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, inside-out tracking, eye tracking and more. Due to this new approach to playing games in PS VR2, PS VR games are not compatible with PS VR2.
Will PS VR games receive PS VR2 updates/upgrades, and if so is there a cost?
Some games may be available for cross buy or upgrades on a title-by-title basis. The offering and any associated costs are based on the developer’s preference.
Will there be cross-gen PS VR games that work both on PS VR and PS VR2?
Some VR games will be available as a cross-gen product. The PS4 version of the game will be available for PS VR, and PS5 version of the game will be available for PS VR2.
Will PS VR2 games feature Activity Cards?
Yes, similar to games on the PS5 console, Activity Cards can be supported for PS VR2 games depending on the title.
Will PS VR2 games be digital only or will there be physical disc releases?
PS VR2 games will be available in a digital format. Physical disc releases for select titles will also be available.
Can I play PS VR2 games without the headset?
PS VR2 games are designed for PS VR2 and will require a headset. It will be noted for the title that PS VR2 is required. There are also titles for the PS5 console that may include a VR mode within the console version of the game, and will be noted that it is PS VR2 compatible. To experience VR mode, a headset is required.
Broadcasting + Capture
Can I capture screenshots or gameplay capture of my PS VR2 game sessions?
Yes, the Create Menu in PS VR2 allows players to capture screenshots and videos, just as they do on PS5, but without having to leave VR Mode. You can also trim videos and share content with friends without leaving your game.
Can I share my screen with another player online who is or isn’t using PS VR2?
Yes, you can share your screen with another player online. Please note that Share Play is not available for PS VR2 games.
Can I broadcast my PS VR2 playthroughs?
A new broadcast feature for PS VR2 will allow you to film yourself while playing by connecting a PS5 HD Camera to the console. It’s a great way to show your movements and reactions during a boss battle and share your reactions with your fellow gamers as it happens!
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Other
If PS VR2 is not in use, will the unit switch off or do I need to disconnect it from the PS5?
By default, the PS VR2 headset will automatically shut off after 30 minutes if you are not wearing the headset and exit a PS VR2 game. The default timing can be changed in the Power Saving settings.
You can also manually turn off the PS VR2 headset by using the power button on the PS VR2 headset, or by going to Control Center > [Accessories] > [PlayStation VR2] in the system UI menu.
Is there a unique on-screen PS VR2 UI?
The UI for PS VR2 is similar to the UI for the PS5 console when watching on the TV screen. However you will notice minor optimizations when viewing the UI through the PS VR2 headset.
This includes the layout for sections such as the Control Center and Create Menu, the position of the notification display and how the font is rendered for optimization.
Do I need a TV to use PS VR2?
A TV is required to set up the PS VR2 unit for the first time. Once you complete the set up, a TV is not required for general PS VR2 game play.
Can I turn off my TV screen while using PS VR2?
Yes, you can turn off your TV screen while you are playing PS VR2.
What accessibility options does PS VR2 support?
Accessibility features available for the PS5 console, except for Zoom, will be available for PS VR2. This includes Color Correction, Invert Color, and Custom Button Assignment. Some games will also support additional in-game accessibility options.
Are there any parental controls built into PS VR2?
Yes, parental control settings are available and can be customized on the PS5 console for PS VR2.
Can two people using PS VR2 headsets play together on one PS5 console?
No. The PS5 console only supports one PS VR2 headset at a time.
Do I need to be connected to the internet to play PS VR2 games?
Internet connection requirements will vary by title. An internet connection is required to download purchased games and software updates.
Steam Next Fest is back with a veritable truck ton of fresh game demos to sample, and we’ve been plunging our eager little mitts into the latest batch of indie delights to unearth some handy recommendations for you to hit first. Running from now until February 13th, there are always oodles of demos to try in a Next Fest, so sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand in working out what’s worth sinking your time into. Below, we’ve rounded up 16 of our favourites so far, and we’ll be writing about plenty more demos we’ve yet to try over the coming week.
