Netflix brings Stranger Things to Virtual Reailty in 2023
The TV series Stranger Things is getting a VR spin-off. A well-known VR studio is responsible for the development.
Netflix describes the VR game as a mix of psychological horror and action that lets you take on the role of the antagonist Vecna. Developer studio Tender Claws says, that the game allows fans to experience the world of Stranger Things from the "never-before-seen perspective" of Vecna as he explores unknown realities, forms the Hive Mind, and puts his plan for revenge against Eleven and Hawkins into action.
Players will delve into the dreams and memories of their favorite characters and harness telekinetic powers to battle humans and creatures alike as Henry Creel's transformation into Vecna and his impact on the events of previous seasons are revealed.
Stranger Things VR is in good hands
In Tender Claws, Netflix has found the perfect VR studio for an experience of this nature. The team has proven with Virtual Virtual Reality 1 & 2 as well as The Under Presents that they have a knack for convoluted, surreal-bizarre worlds and know how to leverage the medium's strengths.
Tender Claws are also big fans of Stranger Things and are developing the VR game together with the authors of the TV series. So authenticity is guaranteed.
"We are awed that we get to live within the Stranger Things universe and dive into the rich inner worlds of its characters through Tender Claws’ unique approach to nested worlds and immersive dreamscapes," said Tender Claws directors Samantha Gorman and Danny Cannizzaro in a joint prepared statement. "As fans, we want this game to be very special and we are energized by the support and enthusiasm we’ve received from Netflix and the Stranger Things creative team."
Netflix tries VR again
Those who have been following the development of the VR industry lately will remember that Netflix already has some experiences with VR. In 2017, the company released a VR experience in the Stranger Things universe. The streaming service also maintains a VR app that allows users to watch Netflix on a virtual screen. However, the app hasn't received a proper update in a long time.
Stranger Things VR is the first full VR game Netflix is developing as part of its broad gaming initiative to diversify its own media offerings. The App Lab has also released a free VR mini-game called Eden Unearthed, based on the anime series Eden.
In the past, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has been rather cautious about VR, emphasizing the potential of AR. With the success of Meta Quest 2 and the soon to be released Playstation VR 2, Netflix may want to test what the virtual reality market has to offer and get a foot in the door if the medium continues to gain traction in the coming years.
Stranger Things VR will be released for "all major VR platforms" in 2023.
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