Nightdive Studios has announced that a virtual reality version of its System Shock remake is in development. The VR adaptation is being created by Flat2VR Studios and will be a direct translation of the original game's narrative and setting.
Players will once again assume the role of a hacker who accepts a deal from TriOp executive Edward Diego, only to awaken six months later amidst a catastrophic event aboard Citadel Station. The game follows the established narrative of the acclaimed 2023 remake, which received an 80% review score from PC Gamer and was recognized as the Best Remake of 2023 in its annual awards.
The VR version is slated for release on Meta Quest, PS VR2, and SteamVR. It is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, though a specific release date has not yet been announced.
Despite the excitement for a VR rendition of the classic immersive sim, the announcement comes at a time when the VR market faces significant challenges. According to the Steam Hardware and Software Survey, the percentage of Steam users with VR headsets remains below two percent. While the inclusion of Meta Quest and PSVR2 support broadens the potential audience, it still represents a small fraction of the overall gaming community. As an example, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, a VR adaptation of another beloved property, saw limited concurrent player numbers on Steam and was followed by studio closures within its publishing company, citing the difficulties of the VR market.
Whether a VR conversion of System Shock, a genre that traditionally relies on intricate level design and player freedom, can overcome these market hurdles remains to be seen. The VR version is available for wishlisting on Steam.