Decommissioned: the Future of Social Gameplay in Virtual Reality

Decommissioned, a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience developed by Gravity Jack in collaboration with Meta (formerly Facebook), is revolutionizing the world of social gameplay. In this immersive multiplayer game set on a Mars space station, up to eight live players engage in a thrilling battle against time and a traitor within their midst. This article delves into the captivating details of Decommissioned, exploring its unique features, development process, and the innovative use of VR technology. Join us as we uncover the future of social gaming in VR.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Decommissioned

Meta’s partnership with Gravity Jack marked a turning point in the evolution of social gameplay. Entrusting Gravity Jack with complete creative control, Meta aimed to develop a VR game that leveraged the immersive capabilities of virtual reality. Gravity Jack’s team embarked on the journey to conceptualize and create a multiplayer VR experience that would captivate players and push the boundaries of social interaction in gaming.

Unveiling the Gameplay

Decommissioned immerses players in a space station on Mars, where they face the crucial task of evacuating the planet. However, among the players, one or more traitors are attempting to sabotage the group’s missions within the space station, endangering the evacuation process. After completing timed missions, players convene at headquarters to discuss and vote on who they believe the traitor is. If the players successfully identify and agree on the traitor, the game concludes. Otherwise, they must undertake new missions, giving the traitor additional opportunities to sabotage the station.

The Role of VR Technology

Gravity Jack developed Decommissioned specifically for the Oculus Quest VR headset, taking full advantage of its capabilities. The game incorporates realistic avatars and hand-tracking functionality, enhancing the sense of immersion and enabling players to interact with the virtual environment in a natural and intuitive manner. By collaborating closely with Meta’s developers, Gravity Jack ensured that the VR experience seamlessly merged with the Oculus platform, resulting in a smooth and engaging gameplay experience.

An Open-Source Code Base

Setting itself apart from conventional game development practices, Gravity Jack used the Unity platform to create an open-sourced code base for Decommissioned. This approach encouraged other developers to explore, reference, and even contribute to the project, fostering collaboration and innovation within the VR gaming community. The decision to embrace openness and collaboration reflects Gravity Jack’s commitment to driving the evolution of social gameplay in VR.

The Project Process

Gravity Jack’s involvement in Meta’s Decommissioned VR experience spanned every aspect of its development. From the initial concept and gameplay mechanics to branding, 3D assets, and the dynamic code base, Gravity Jack’s team took charge of each step, ensuring a cohesive and polished final product. This comprehensive approach showcases Gravity Jack’s expertise and dedication to delivering a top-tier VR gaming experience.

The Pitch and Project Kick-off

When Meta approached Gravity Jack with their requirements for a multiplayer social deduction VR game, Gravity Jack seized the opportunity to ideate and conceptualize various gaming experiences. After careful consideration, they presented “Decommissioned” as their standout concept—an enthralling game set in the future, where scientists on Mars face a mole sabotaging their operations. Meta’s enthusiastic response to Gravity Jack’s vision solidified their partnership, leading to collaborative efforts between the two teams.

Game Flowcharts and Market Research

Gravity Jack’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in their development process. They created comprehensive flowcharts to map out gameplay mechanics, character roles, and consequences, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience for players. Furthermore, they conducted thorough market research within the space-themed gaming genre to establish the game’s identity, art direction, and gameplay interactions, setting Decommissioned apart from its competitors.

Moodboards and Immersive Environments

To enhance the immersive quality of Decommissioned, Gravity Jack designed unique mood boards to guide the development of distinct environments within the game. Each room on the space station features a distinctive aesthetic while maintaining the overarching space theme, providing players with a visually captivating experience that contributes to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Conclusion

Decommissioned represents a significant leap forward in social gameplay within the VR realm. Gravity Jack’s collaboration with Meta resulted in a meticulously crafted VR experience that pushes the boundaries of immersion and social interaction. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, realistic avatars, and innovative use of VR technology, Decommissioned showcases the potential of virtual reality as a medium for unforgettable gaming experiences. As the future unfolds, we can eagerly anticipate the evolution of social gameplay in VR, with Decommissioned leading the way.