Meta Halts System Shock 2 VR and Numerous Other Projects

Meta recently pulled the plug on a planned VR port of System Shock 2, along with a slew of other projects, according to Stephen Kick, the head of the studio behind the upcoming remaster. However, there’s still hope that development might resume at some point down the line.

This reboot of the beloved 1999 action RPG is slated to be released in June, hitting platforms like Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. But Kick, in a post on Bluesky, revealed that the VR incarnation intended for Oculus devices has been scrapped.

Kick explained the situation, saying: “We initially started working on a VR version for Oculus, but Facebook ended up canceling numerous projects, including our SS2VR. We’ve tossed around ideas for picking it up again in the future. If it does happen, it might be released as either an update or a standalone version. For now, it hinges on how well the 25th Anniversary remaster does!”

The concept of a VR version for System Shock 2 first surfaced in 2021, with exciting promises of full co-op multiplayer support, even cross-play with the PC edition. However, by 2022, it was moved lower on the studio’s priority list, ultimately leading to its cancellation.

Kick’s message doesn’t clarify whether they were targeting a PC VR version (for Oculus Rift or Quest Link) or a standalone Quest version. We’re currently reaching out for more details on this. Additionally, we’re contacting Meta to see if they have any insights to share.

Kick further hinted at the potential for reigniting the project’s development, suggesting that if it happens, it could either come as a future update or a standalone release. He emphasized that the decision will largely depend on how the newly minted remaster is received by players.