Ex-Onward developers announce new VR tactical shooter

Ex-Onward developers announce new VR tactical shooter

With Tier One: Direct Action, the developers of Ex-Onward aim to set a new standard for tactical VR shooters with realistic weapons and clever VR mechanics.

FACTS

Developer Niorun Studios has unveiled "Tier One: Direct Action", a realistic VR tactical shooter that focuses on teamwork and realistic VR mechanics.

The development team consists of over 20 VR industry veterans, including eight key members who were previously involved in the VR shooter Onward. Many of the developers and game designers also have military backgrounds. According to Angelika Reich, co-founder of Niorun Studios, the goal of Tier One: Direct Action is to "set a new standard for VR FPS games".

Key features include:

  • Focus on teamwork instead of individual results
  • Realistic environments and gun handling
  • Customizable characters and equipment
  • Immersive gameplay mechanics such as climbing ladders and forming alliances
  • Multiple game modes for PvP and PvE
  • Progression system for unlocking new skills and equipment

A Kickstarter campaign for Tier One: Direct Action is scheduled to launch in July 2024, with an Early Access version planned for the Meta Quest App Lab in the third quarter of 2024. Versions for Playstation VR 2, Pico 4 and PC VR via Steam will follow by mid-2025. The full version is planned for the end of 2025.

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CONTEXT

Tier One: Prominent role models

Niorun Studios sees Tier One: Direct Action as the "spiritual successor" to Onward, which made it into Meta's Quest Plus subscription in October 2023, and cites games such as ArmA and Rainbow Six Siege as sources of inspiration.

Daniel Bonacini, Head of QA and Game Design, emphasizes the team's expertise: "Being deeply involved in the development process, I've seen firsthand the common pitfalls in VR shooters," said Daniel Bonacini, Head of QA & Game Design. "Thanks to the field and personal expertise of many of our developers, we're making sure every aspect, from the weapons to the gear, feels spot-on."

Sources: Press release