One of the biggest success stories during the launch of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 was the response from players to Polyphony Digital’s incredible VR port of its racing gameGran Turismo 7. ThePS VR2 functionality was added in a free update toGran Turismo 7and gives players access to the entire game in VR except for split-screen multiplayer. One big factor behind the positive buzz surrounding the game’s PS VR2 debut is its support for peripherals ranging from bargain wheels to the full racing cockpit setups used by some PC gamers.
Even thoughGran Turismo 7isn’t quite as full-featured as dedicated sims likeiRacingorAssetto Corsa Competizione, being able to put on a headset and immediately hop into a race with the peripherals they already own has convinced some formerly PC-only players to invest in the PS VR2. If Sony were to add an equally polished flight simulator to thePS VR2’s growing library of games, the ability of its high-end headset to draw in both casual fans and hardcore simmers wouldn’t have to be limited to the racetrack.
RELATED:Microsoft Flight Simulator Lets Players Play Its Old Versions in Virtual Plane Cockpits
Although there are some PS VR2 flight sims already in development, includingProject Wingmanand the WW2-eraAces of ThunderfromWar Thunderdeveloper Gaijin Entertainment, the focus for these titles is squarely on combat. While combat flight games definitely have their fans, a fact clearly illustrated by Bandai Namco’sAce Combatseries continuing to fly high over 25 years from its inception, their typically mission-based structure gives them limited staying power after players complete the campaign.
The fast reflexes required to be a successful dogfighter can also serve to limit the potential audience for combat flight games. A better option for Sony, if it wants a flight game that’s as appealing to both casual players and simmers asGran Turismo7is to automobile aficionados, could be to woo the developers of titles likeflight simulatorX-Plane 12to release a port for PS VR2. Letting gamers take to the skies for a decidedly more leisurely experience could draw in more players and keep them around longer.
A long-time competitor of Microsoft’sFlight Simulatorfranchise, theX-Planeseries' latest entry presently supports both VR and console controllers on PC. One Thrustmaster HOTAS joystick already works with the PS5, andsupport for other flight peripheralscould likely be added to the console with a software update. This means control options shouldn’t limit a hypothetical PS5 port.
A PS5 Flight Sim Could Do Things Microsoft Flight Simulator On Xbox Can’t
If Sony was able to bring a full-featured flight sim game to the PS5 that worked with PS VR2, it would give them a major advantage over themassiveMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2020. Even though Microsoft managed to bring a full-featured version of its popular title to Xbox, the widely praised VR mode is limited to PCs and only runs well on fairly high-end systems. With Microsoft making it clear that VR support isn’t in the cards for Xbox consoles any time soon, a high-quality PS VR2 flight sim with broad peripheral support might draw some new players to PS5.
While flight games will never sell as many consoles asCall of Duty, giving both casual fans and hardcore simmers a quick and easy way to take to the skies on PS VR2 would be a big win for Sony. It might also help the PS VR2 remain competitive as it goes up against a new generation of PC VR hardware and the updated Meta Quest 3 arriving later this year, andGran Turismo 7is already helping in those regards.
Gran Turismo 7is currently available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
MORE:Two Games Take Realism to The Next Level on PS VR2
