X8, our 5v5 VR Multiplayer Hero Shooter, is now available on Meta Quest and SteamVR. In this article, we will take a look at the game's development journey and the efforts made to foster an engaged community.
At Thirdverse, we believe that the heart of any game lies in its community. From the beginning, our goal was to create a game that not only provides a quality VR and multiplayer experience but also fosters a thriving community of players.
One of our main focuses was on the VR experience. We implemented complex weapon manipulation, a unique 'throwing knives' system, and gesture-based abilities to create an immersive gameplay experience that sets us apart from 2D games in the same genre.
To ensure the game's quality, we conducted two Closed Betas, gathering valuable feedback from early players. This feedback helped us identify and address critical issues, resulting in improvements to the onboarding system and other aspects of the game.
In late May, we launched X8 on Meta App Lab and Steam for Early Access. This allowed us to build and strengthen our existing community while refining the game based on player feedback. In just four months, over 100,000 players have installed X8, demonstrating the game's popularity.
We have been actively engaging with our players, fixing bugs, fine-tuning game balance, and implementing requested features. This ongoing exchange with our community has been instrumental in shaping the game and ensuring its success.
One of our ambitious goals with X8 is to establish VR esports as a mainstream phenomenon. We have already hosted three VR esports events, including an Early Access Invitational Tournament and a tournament at the Tokyo Game Show. These events have set a precedent for the future of VR esports.
In August, we launched the initial trial of our first official Early Access X8 League in partnership with Virtual Athletics League (VAL). This eight-week season allowed players to compete in 5v5 demolition matches and climb the rankings for a chance to win a share of the $10,000 cash prize pool. Our commitment to promoting VR esports and providing competitive opportunities for our players is evident in the substantial prize pool.
As we prepare for the official launch, we are excited to introduce the Founder's Pack, 'Mythos.' This pack includes exclusive weapons designed to bring down Demi-gods. It is available for a limited time to those who download X8 during its launch period.
Additionally, as a token of appreciation to our early access community and Discord family, we will be making the Watermelon blade, pistol, and SMG available for free in the upcoming weeks.
We made the deliberate decision to make X8 a 'Free to Play' game. Inspired by the success of non-VR shooter games like Overwatch, Apex Legends, and VALORANT, we wanted to create a game that is accessible to as many players as possible. Just like in traditional sports, where anyone can play for free with minimal equipment, we believe that everyone should have a chance to compete and succeed in X8.
X8 is more than just a game; it's a movement. With a strong focus on community engagement, esports, and a commitment to quality, we are confident that X8 will continue to thrive. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey and shape the future of VR gaming and VR esports.
X8 is available now for free download on Meta Quest Store and on Steam for $9.99.
