Polish video game studio, People Can Fly, is no stranger to the limelight, having delivered heavy hitters like Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and most recently, Outriders.
Having firmly marked its footprint in the gaming arena, it’s no surprise that eyes are intently fixated on the studio’s next move.
If recent leaks and job listings are anything to go by, it seems the studio is gearing up for an ambitious dive into virtual reality (VR)
Veryaligaming recently uncovered a job listing on the company’s website hinting at an “undisclosed VR IP”. While exact details remain shrouded in mystery, there’s much to speculate based on the breadcrumbs left behind. The listing, which lists a Gameplay Designer, talks about “creating, pitching, and prototyping gameplay ideas for core combat”, hints at a game in its embryonic stages. This curiosity only deepens when you realize People Can Fly’s Katowice studio, Incuvo, is at the helm of this project.
Now, for those following the gaming scene closely, this isn’t People Can Fly’s first tryst with VR. They’ve already teased us with the tantalizing prospect of a VR version of Bulletstorm, their acclaimed 2011 first-person shooter. This revelation was made shortly after their collaboration with Incuvo became public. Could this be a hint at what’s to come, or is there a new, grander project in the pipeline?
Interestingly, some keen-eyed enthusiasts, which delves deep into the array of job listings, deduced potential gameplay elements. The emphasis on core combat, character abilities, and adversary encounters in “various settings” points to an action-packed VR adventure. Moreover, the specific mention of Unity as a desired qualification is rather telling.
Historically, People Can Fly has been synonymous with Unreal Engine development, so this diversion is bound to raise a few eyebrows. Does this mark a shift in the studio’s developmental trajectory?
Environment and setting appear to play a pivotal role in this yet-to-be-announced project. Job requirements touching upon “photorealistic environments, props, textures, and materials” hint at an immersive world, possibly with an open-world design, although that remains speculative.
However, what truly stands out is the hinted possibility of a mobile release. The studio is not exactly what you’d call a large-scale operation and with the sheer hardware demands of VR, this seems like an ambitious undertaking. Could we be looking at compatibility with devices like Gear VR? It’s a tantalizing thought, especially given the rise of mobile gaming in recent years.
Now, given People Can Fly’s rich portfolio, one can’t help but speculate the nature of this mysterious project. Case in point, the unique combat and ability-driven environment described aligns closely with OUTRIDERS. Is the studio hiring for a VR adaptation? Admittedly, translating the third-person shooter experience of OUTRIDERS into first-person VR would be no small feat. Moreover, given its fluctuating player base, such an investment seems like a risky gamble.
On the other hand, the possibility of a Painkiller VR adaptation offers a more likely if not a more fitting scenario. This classic FPS horror shooter, inspired by monumental games like Quake and DOOM, with its combat-focused gameplay in intricate environments, seems like a perfect fit for the VR mould.
However, considering the studio’s penchant for innovation, this undisclosed VR project could very well be a fresh and new IP, introducing gamers to a completely different universe.
While fans of the studio’s previous titles might be yearning for VR adaptations, there’s always the allure of the unknown, the excitement of venturing into uncharted territories.
Regardless of what the truth is, People Can Fly has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt.
Fingers crossed, the studio’s publishing partner won’t call its next project another financial failure.
