PSVR 2 shooter Firewall Ultra gets unexpected update despite studio closure
First Contact Entertainment's Firewall Ultra has just received a surprise free update, even though the studio has already shut down. Here's what happened.
Sony has rolled out an unexpected update for the PSVR 2 shooter Firewall Ultra, giving all players quadruple the usual amount of in-game currency and experience points. This change makes the game much more welcoming to new players, who previously had to spend significant time leveling up to access better equipment.
Why now?
The timing of this update raises some interesting questions. While Firewall Ultra was developed exclusively for Sony's VR headset, it hasn't performed well on PSVR 2 — earning just 2.37 out of 5 stars from 1,600 player reviews.
Despite these struggles, Sony still lists the game at its full $40 price tag, and it hasn't seen any significant discounts during sales events. This has made it difficult for the game to build a large, active player base.
Recent player reports on Reddit suggest the game has improved significantly after its latest update, with the PvP mode reportedly offering the same enjoyable experience as its predecessor, Firewall: Zero Hour.
Sony might be trying to breathe new life into the game following recent increased interest in PSVR 2. A permanent price reduction or adding the game to the PS Plus catalog could be next.
The story behind the struggles
Firewall Ultra launched in August 2023 as one of PSVR 2's most anticipated exclusive titles. However, it fell short of expectations, with players criticizing its dated VR design, unbalanced progression system, and numerous technical issues.
The situation took a turn for the worse when First Contact Entertainment announced its closure just before Christmas. CEO Hess Barber pointed to the lack of support for virtual reality within the industry as a key factor in the studio's shutdown.
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