#VR Games

[kbonwhobeebos]

i want a vr headset for one reason and one reason alone.

to play Subnautica in VR and hook myself up to a heartrate monitor

[technicallylovingcomputer]

Creating a Secure and Fraud-Free Blockchain Gaming Experience

In the wild west of blockchain gaming, security isn't just a feature it's the foundation everything else is built on. As someone who's watched this space evolve from crypto-kitties to complex metaverse economies, I've seen firsthand how security challenges can make or break a game's success.

Let's talk about how developers and players can create safer blockchain gaming experiences without sacrificing the innovation that makes this space so exciting.

The Double-Edged Sword of Blockchain Gaming

Blockchain gaming brings incredible opportunities: true digital ownership, play-to-earn economies, and unprecedented transparency. But these same features create unique security challenges. When in-game assets have real financial value and transactions are irreversible, the stakes get much higher.

I remember talking to a developer who launched one of the early NFT-based games. "We were so focused on the creative mechanics," he told me, "that we didn't realize we were essentially building a financial platform too." This mindset shift is crucial—blockchain game development requires thinking like both a game designer and a fintech security expert.

Security By Design: Building From the Ground Up

The most secure blockchain games bake protection into their architecture from day one, rather than bolting it on later:

Smart Contract Auditing: This isn't optional anymore. Multiple independent audits from reputable firms should be standard practice before any code goes live. I've seen projects delay launches to address audit findings and never regretted it—unlike those who rushed to market with vulnerabilities.

Layered Defense Mechanisms: The best security systems use multiple validation checks at different points. Think of it like airport security—ID checks, scanners, and human verification working together rather than relying on just one system.

Progressive Decentralization: Many successful projects start with some centralized controls that gradually transfer to the community. This allows for quicker responses to security incidents early on while still delivering on the decentralized promise long-term.

Player Protection: Making Security User-Friendly

Security isn't just about code—it's about how players interact with your game:

Intuitive Wallet Integration: Players shouldn't need a computer science degree to keep their assets safe. The games gaining the most traction offer simple wallet connections with clear permissions.

Transaction Verification: Always show players exactly what they're approving in plain language. "Allow access to ALL your tokens forever" should be a red flag that's impossible to miss.

Fraud Detection Systems: Machine learning can identify unusual transaction patterns before they become problems. One game I play implemented this after a phishing attack and has since prevented thousands of suspicious transactions.

Combating Common Attack Vectors

Understanding the threats is half the battle:

Phishing Resistance: Players get targeted through fake websites, Discord messages, and emails claiming to be from your game. Regular education campaigns and verification systems can dramatically reduce successful attacks.

Flash Loan Exploits: These complex attacks manipulate token prices by borrowing large amounts of cryptocurrency within a single transaction. Implementing circuit breakers and value locks can help mitigate this risk.

Front-Running Protection: When transactions wait in the mempool, bad actors can see them and execute their own transactions first. Solutions like commit-reveal schemes or private transaction pools are becoming standard defenses.

Community as Security Partners

Your players are your most valuable security asset:

Bug Bounty Programs: Reward white-hat hackers for finding vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. Some of the strongest security improvements in blockchain gaming have come from community members incentivized to protect rather than exploit.

Transparency Culture: Regular security updates, clear communication about risks, and honest post-mortems after incidents build trust more effectively than pretending problems don't exist.

Community Monitoring: Engaged players often spot suspicious activity before automated systems do. Creating easy reporting channels turns your entire player base into a security team.

Real-World Success Stories

Learning from those who've gotten it right:

Axie Infinity learned hard lessons after their Ronin bridge hack but emerged stronger with multi-signature validation requirements and dramatically improved monitoring systems.

Gods Unchained prioritized secure trading from day one, implementing escrow systems that prevent the most common card-trading scams.

The Sandbox created a phased withdrawal system for high-value transactions, allowing time for verification before assets move out of the ecosystem.

The Road Ahead: Evolving Security Landscape

As blockchain gaming matures, security approaches are evolving:

Insurance Models: Some games now offer optional insurance for high-value assets, creating protection pools funded by small transaction fees.

Standardized Security Frameworks: Industry bodies are developing shared security practices specific to blockchain gaming, similar to PCI standards in financial services.

Reputation Systems: Cross-game identity verification is emerging, making it harder for bad actors to simply move to a new game after being identified.

Final Thoughts

Creating truly secure blockchain games isn't just about protecting assets—it's about building the foundation for this entire industry to thrive. When players trust the ecosystem, they'll invest more time, creativity, and yes, money into these virtual worlds.

The blockchain games that will stand the test of time aren't just the ones with the flashiest graphics or most innovative gameplay—they're the ones that players trust to safeguard their digital lives. By prioritizing security alongside creativity, developers can build experiences that are not just fun to play, but fundamentally reliable.

In this exciting but still-maturing space, security isn't the enemy of innovation—it's what makes sustainable innovation possible.

[6dofreviews]

Ready for high-speed hoverbike action in Retronika on Meta Quest? We took it for a spin and have some thoughts! Check out our impressions video to see if this VR adventure is worth the ride.

[crypticcoterie]

I spend way too much time in VR just taking cute pics 😅

- Vamp

[andreaneu9666]

Unfortunately funny 🙈😂

[vr-ultimarealm]

Check out our first of 12 completed environments related to the Ancient faction.

[lumiosdreamdiary]

#83 Realistic Minecraft

I was playing a MMORPG and I was in a canyon area with friends protecting our base with glass corridors and the cool skull entrance (Maybe an elevator?) against people from outside, other players. I remember talking to my friends several times throlughout this session, but I cannot remember what I've or they've said.

[teddyberrii]

Not what I usually post but I’m desperate ok

Murder Drones fans who are 18 and older, do you happen to have vrchat 👀 I’d really like to have more VRChat friends and I’m too scared to go into public instances 💔

Please shoot me a dm or something saying you wanna be VRChat friends and like murder drones and are autistic PLEA

[mx-pokirby]

Dreamed we were playing a VR Game

It was a stage based thing, the VR controls were pretty normal to reality for what it was (with the headset & controllers in my hands behind the reality I was actually visually seeing in my dream, but could feel nonetheless)

There was a Little Dude™ we controlled/helped, ala Astro Bot VR (never played it), hiding in things like knocked over potted plants waiting for normal sized people to walk past, implied-vision-cones and whatnot

And I myself was invisible to all the NPCs, but still had to navigate a physical environment and stay close to my Little Dude™ like riding on long conveyor belts and needing to keep my balance from the dream-physical-motion-jostling on my body you couldn't really replicate in a real game

The Little Dude™ also possessed some kinda special artifact McGuffin, where having it let them use their ability to shapeshift, but also able to take damage (3 HP like Mario Galaxy?) implying they were some kinda immortal/otherworldly being and having this artifact helped "tether" their form to our reality, thus able to change physical shape whilst becoming woundable

But also the game had an anime-ish art style, and despite NPCs normally not acknowledging me, there was a mechanic where if you stood beside any character and gave them headpats, they'd blush and it was very cute whilst still ignoring the player

After a few levels, we selected the next level on the 2D world map and the stage was some people's house on the side of a desert-y cliff, Lil Dude had to platform around the sides of at first. It was kinda like half stereotypical mix African/Mexican style, half... expensive LA beach house? Pretty chill place tbh

Anyways we made our way around, sidling as our Lil Dude just jumped on the platforms barely big enough for my feet, finally getting inside, and petting all the NPCs we passed by as usual

Until the mom instantly reacted to our virtual see-through hand, making us step back, and somehow not only could she fully see me now but also started chastising me for being creepy and "touching" all the NPCs which... fair ig but didn't have to phrase it like that... then tried to pry me for my login information for the in-lore game I was playing (presumably my Steam login, which I guess I was playing it via? also presuming so she could publicly call me out on my own social medias)

After I feigned ignorance, she stole my Lil Dude's artifact (now infinite health, but no required-mechanic shapeshifting) and escaped to another Stage, creating a whole ass new split route on the World Map, implying the "devs" intended all that after all. And we had to find her, get my Lil Dude's artifact back, and presumably apologize somehow...

[corky-chicken]

Detestated. (I can't find the knock-off beat saber game on the meta quest that had CHOKE by IDKhow on it)

[technicallylovingcomputer]

Balancing Game Difficulty: How to Keep Players Challenged but Not Frustrated in AR Game Design

Introduction: The Delicate Dance of Game Difficulty

Every game developer faces a crucial challenge: creating an experience that's tough enough to be exciting, but not so hard that players throw their devices in frustration. This balance is even more complex in augmented reality (AR) games, where real-world interactions add an extra layer of complexity to game design.

Understanding the Psychology of Game Difficulty

Why Difficulty Matters

Game difficulty is more than just making things hard. It's about creating a psychological journey that:

Provides a sense of accomplishment

Maintains player motivation

Creates memorable gaming experiences

Balances challenge with enjoyment

The Unique Challenges of AR Game Difficulty

AR-Specific Difficulty Considerations

Augmented reality games face unique challenges in difficulty balancing:

Unpredictable real-world environments

Varying player physical capabilities

Device and space limitations

Diverse player skill levels

Key Principles of Effective Difficulty Design

1. Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment

Implement intelligent systems that:

Adapt to player performance in real-time

Provide personalized challenge levels

Prevent player burnout

Maintain engagement across different skill levels

2. Layered Challenge Structures

Create multiple challenge layers:

Basic objectives for casual players

Advanced challenges for skilled gamers

Hidden complexity for expert players

Seamless difficulty progression

Practical Strategies for AR Game Difficulty Balancing

Adaptive Learning Mechanisms

Use machine learning algorithms to analyze player behavior

Dynamically adjust game challenges

Provide personalized gaming experiences

Create intelligent difficulty scaling

Skill-Based Progression Systems

Design progression that:

Rewards player improvement

Introduces complexity gradually

Provides clear skill development paths

Maintains player motivation

Technical Implementation Techniques

1. Difficulty Adjustment Algorithms

Create flexible difficulty scaling models

Use probabilistic challenge generation

Implement context-aware difficulty settings

Balance randomness with predictability

2. Player Performance Tracking

Track and analyze:

Player movement patterns

Interaction accuracy

Time spent on challenges

Success and failure rates

AR-Specific Difficulty Balancing Approaches

Environment-Aware Challenges

Design challenges that:

Adapt to physical space constraints

Use real-world obstacles creatively

Provide unique interaction opportunities

Leverage device sensor capabilities

Inclusive Design Considerations

Ensure difficulty balancing:

Accommodates different physical abilities

Provides accessibility options

Supports various device capabilities

Creates enjoyable experiences for all players

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Difficulty Design Mistakes

Overwhelming players with complex mechanics

Creating artificially difficult challenges

Ignoring player feedback

Failing to provide clear progression paths

Case Studies in Successful Difficulty Balancing

Pokémon GO

Adaptive challenge levels

Accessible for beginners

Deep mechanics for advanced players

Continuous engagement through events

Minecraft Earth

Scalable building challenges

Multiple difficulty modes

Creative problem-solving opportunities

Tools and Frameworks for Difficulty Management

Recommended Development Tools

Unity's adaptive difficulty systems

Unreal Engine's player tracking

Custom machine learning models

Advanced analytics platforms

Psychological Principles of Player Engagement

The Flow State

Create experiences that:

Provide consistent challenges

Match player skill levels

Create a sense of continuous improvement

Maintain optimal engagement

Future of Difficulty Design in AR Gaming

Emerging Technologies

AI-driven difficulty adaptation

Advanced player behavior analysis

Personalized gaming experiences

Enhanced machine learning models

Practical Implementation Tips

Start with Player Empathy

Understand your target audience

Playtest extensively

Gather continuous feedback

Embrace Flexibility

Design modular difficulty systems

Allow player customization

Provide multiple challenge paths

Monitor and Iterate

Collect performance data

Analyze player engagement

Continuously refine difficulty mechanics

Conclusion: The Art of Engaging Challenges

Balancing game difficulty is a nuanced craft that combines technical skill, psychological understanding, and creative design. In AR game development, this challenge becomes even more exciting, offering unprecedented opportunities for creating memorable experiences.

[6dofreviews]

Exploring the vast social universe of Orion Drift on Meta Quest! Is this free-to-play VR experience a glimpse into the future of virtual reality, or just another passing trend? Dive into our impressions video to find out!

[oreo-dawg]

Got a game on the vr called underdogs. Pretty baller might draw something bout it

[dragon-snoots-a-boopin]

Yes, it's time for another video game rant. I've been on a kick of playing VR games because, well, I have a Quest 2 and spend most of the time on vrchat so, time to see what other good games are out there. So far, Half-Life: Alyx and the remake of Arizona Sunshine have been a blast, so, so much fun. Tried The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinner and I am still neutral because the game had such awful performance that my shit stuttered constantly and was unplayable. Apparently I need the Quest version from the Quest Store and I will, at some point, do that.

That brings me to the subject of this rant and that is Skydance's Behemoth. Yes, the people that made Saints and Sinners made this heap of garbage, yet Behemoth actually runs smoothly so, it's got that going for it. The biggest point of interest for me in this game is it's fantasy setting, with sword and bows and magic and stuff as most VR games I've played involve shooting something.

Let me start with the combat. If you have seen any trailers for this game, the combat looks really cool and maybe if you get used to the game, you can do the kinds of stuff in the trailer. However, I find the combat to be a little too much at once and kinda clunky. The first time in the game they teach you ranged combat, you don't even have a bow yet. Yea, they stick an archer above the player and basically want you to throw knives until you hit the person and yes, it's really fucking stupid. They don't even really give you a tutorial on combat until you get the magic strength ability. From there you get the use an axe to break the shield and their helmet. After that you get use this thicker sword to parry attacks, aka, smack their sword as they are trying to smack you with their sword because it'll stun them. Then you go to the next area and are told to use what you've been taught between your magic strength, armor breaking axe and parrying sword and this area, I am pretty sure I died like five times or so.

Here's the thing, I am playing this game on what they consider to be easy difficulty and this game, for me, is just so unfairly difficult. If we take a regular basic enemy with a regualr basic sword, it takes about three hits to get to about half health and another three hits to be fully dead. Yea, six hits from a basic enemy on easy difficulty to get killed which is absolutely stupid.

The game is supposed to be about facing off against these giant boss enemies, the Behemoths and I didn't even get to that before giving up on the game. I get to the point where I have to fight mini boss person with large two handed sword and yea, I tried the fight three times and I gave up. Outside of normal attacks that you are supposed to block normally, this enemy does a special attack that is identified by a red glint on their sword and you're supposed to dodge this attack. I managed to dodge once each of my three attempts and this part is bulltshit because if you don't dodge the attack, it can, will and did kill me in one hit. Again, playing on easy and this fucking enemy killed me in once hit with full health.

I spent probably two hours playing this game before I gave up. I've not played many VR games but, this one is by far the worse VR game that I've played. I found it to be far to difficult on easy, the combat to be far too much at once and found the game as a whole to just be far too unfair for the difficulty I was playing on.

Here's my short list of good VR games:

Robo Recall (Get on Quest Store only)

Metal: Hellsinger VR

Half-Life: Alyx

Arizona Sunshine Remake

So, yea, play any of this over this.

[sunrisemill]

I just tried VR for this first time

That shit was so weirdddd