During a rapid-fire interview with MinnMax, Astro Bot's director revealed that there are no plans to design a VR game. Read on to learn more about the reasoning behind this decision and what it means for the future of the series.
Astro Bot’s Future and the Decision to Avoid VR
A Different Medium Means A Different Experience
Yesterday, MinnMax released a rapid-fire question interview with Astro Bot's Director, Nicolas Doucet, where he mentioned that Astro Bot will never turn into VR. In the interview, Doucet was clear that there is "no chance" Astro Bot will come to PSVR2. He explained that Astro Bot is designed for a different medium, and converting it to VR would result in a completely different game. This decision is rooted in the distinct design philosophies behind the game. Doucet and his team believe that Astro Bot shines best in its current format, where the focus is on delivering a seamless, immersive platforming experience without the constraints or design considerations that come with VR.
Astro Bot, originally introduced in The Playroom for PlayStation, has evolved into one of Sony’s beloved mascots. The character gained widespread recognition with Astro Bot Rescue Mission on PSVR, a game lauded for its innovative use of VR. Despite this success, Doucet and his team seem committed to exploring new possibilities for Astro Bot outside the VR space, focusing on the broader appeal of the character and gameplay mechanics that can be enjoyed by all players, regardless of their access to VR technology.
Interestingly, the interviewer from MinnMax was persistent in questioning the possibility of Astro Bot VR, reflecting the desire from fans who enjoyed Astro Bot Rescue Mission. However, Doucet remained firm on his stance, emphasizing that while VR is fun, the team’s current direction with Astro Bot is focused elsewhere. This clarity suggests that the future of Astro Bot is firmly grounded in non-VR experiences, where the character can continue to grow and innovate within the broader PlayStation ecosystem.
Astro Bot Will Have 150 Robot Cameos And PC Port Is Likely To Happen
Beyond the VR discussion, the interview covered a variety of topics that offered intriguing insights into the development of Astro Bot. Doucet discussed the evolution of the character from its early days in The Playroom to the latest installment, highlighting the team's dedication to refining and perfecting the Astro Bot experience. He also shared fun anecdotes, such as the inclusion of 150 robot cameos in the upcoming game and the challenges of integrating Easter eggs without spoiling surprises for the players.
One particularly interesting point was Doucet's mention of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller and how it influenced some of the design choices in Astro Bot. He praised the innovative use of haptic feedback in games like Returnal, noting that these features have inspired his team to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with the DualSense in their own game. Additionally, the interview touched on the importance of game history and how Astro Bot's team, who are avid game collectors, strive to honor classic PlayStation titles within their game.
Doucet also hinted at the possibility of expanding the game's reach by encouraging PC players to voice their interest in a potential port. This suggests that the door isn’t completely closed on the idea, depending on fan demand and market conditions. Overall, the interview provided a deeper understanding of the creative process behind Astro Bot and the thoughtful decisions that shape its future. Doucet’s enthusiasm and passion for the project were evident throughout, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.
For more information about Astro Bot's gameplay and story info, click the link below:
Source:
MinnMax Interview
