Meta Scraps System Shock 2 VR and Numerous Other Projects

Meta has pulled the plug on a planned VR version of System Shock 2, along with several other projects, according to Stephen Kick, the head of the studio currently handling the game’s remaster. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that development could pick back up at a later date.

Gamers can look forward to a 25th-anniversary remaster of the beloved 1999 PC action RPG, which is on track to hit shelves in June, available on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Yet, news broke via a Bluesky post from Kick that the anticipated VR version for Oculus had been shelved.

The post reveals some insightful details: “Initially, we embarked on the development of a VR version for Oculus,” Kick explained, “but unfortunately, Facebook decided to cancel a bunch of projects, and that included SS2VR. We’re considering picking up the development again in the future, potentially releasing it as a patch or standalone version. For now, though, we’re going to see how people respond to the 25th Anniversary remaster!”

Back in 2021, excitement stirred when plans for a VR remaster of System Shock 2 emerged, with promises of full co-op multiplayer support and cross-play compatibility with PC. However, as of 2022, it was downgraded to “a lower priority,” eventually leading to its cancellation.

Kick’s message is a bit ambiguous about whether this VR version was meant for PC VR (like Oculus Rift or Quest Link) or exclusively for standalone Quest devices. We’re seeking more specifics on this and have reached out to Meta for any further insights they might offer.

While Kick mentions discussions around possibly resuming development, he hints that a decision hinges on how well the 25th Anniversary edition is received. So, it’s a classic case of “wait and see,” with the future of System Shock 2’s VR port contingent upon the community’s enthusiasm for the remaster.