[Industry Direct] Building a Thriving VR Multiplayer Hero Shooter Game & Community – The Making of ‘X8’

Industry Direct by By Masaru “Nogi” Ohnogi, Executive Producer of X8 at Thirdverse

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We’re excited to launch X8, our 5v5 VR Multiplayer Hero Shooter, today on Meta Quest and SteamVR. We wanted to take a moment to look back at the game’s development journey and our efforts to foster an engaged community.

Focusing on Quality and Community Building

**X8 VR Game** is a 5v5 VR Multiplayer Hero Shooter developed by Thirdverse. The game aims to provide a quality VR and multiplayer experience while fostering an engaged community of players. One of the main focuses during development was to create an immersive VR experience, differentiating it from similar 2D games. This was achieved through complex weapon manipulation, a unique knife-throwing system to damage opponents, and gesture-based abilities.

To ensure quality and address issues, X8 went through two Closed Betas where valuable feedback from early players was gathered and implemented. The game continued to be updated based on this feedback, showing a commitment to listening to the community’s voice. Following this, X8 was launched on Meta App Lab and Steam for Early Access, attracting over 100,000 players in less than four months.

A significant part of X8’s success has been the ongoing exchange with players, addressing hundreds of bugs and implementing new features based on player suggestions. This strong relationship with the community has played a vital role in shaping the game.

Driving the VR Esports Industry

**X8 VR Game** has also been instrumental in driving the VR esports industry. Hosting several esports events, including the first-ever VR esports event in Japan, has demonstrated the commitment to establishing VR esports as a mainstream phenomenon. The events have set a precedent for the future of VR esports, driving the growth potential of VR gaming.

Starting the First Official X8 League

In partnership with Virtual Athletics League, X8 launched the first official Early Access X8 League. This eight-week season provided competitive opportunities for players, with a substantial $10,000 cash prize pool. The league aimed to test the market and showcase the commitment to promoting VR esports.

Launching Soon: The Exclusive Founder’s Pack

The **X8 Founder’s Pack**, known as ‘Mythos,’ includes exclusive in-game items such as The Knife ‘Evenstar’ and the Tactical Rifle ‘Genesis.’ Players downloading X8 during the launch period can access this one-time offer. Additionally, early access community members will receive free in-game items to show appreciation for their support.

Why We Made X8 ‘Free to Play’

**X8 VR Game** is available as a ‘Free to Play’ game. This decision was inspired by the success of non-VR shooter games thriving under the free-to-play model. The intention is to build a thriving VR esports ecosystem and make the game accessible to as many players as possible.

Follow the X8 Journey

**X8 VR Game** is not just a game; it’s a movement. With a strong focus on community engagement, VR esports, and a commitment to quality, X8 aims to shape the future of VR gaming. The game is available for download for free on Meta Quest Store and on Steam for $9.99. Join the X8 movement and be part of the future of VR gaming and VR esports.