Published on: 01/04/2022
Mark Zuckerberg announces Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, including metaverse, virtual Grand Theft Auto
Mark Zuckerberg’s new business empire, Meta, recently announced its second annual gaming showcase event, the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase (formerly known as the known as Oculus Gaming Showcase) set to take place on April 20.
“This is our second annual celebration of content from across the Quest portfolio of games. You can expect new game announcements, gameplay first-looks, updates on games coming in the next year, and a whole lot of surprises,” Oculus’ blog reads.
Reportedly, during the event, the company plans to announce gaming-related matters, such as several new games, gameplay first-look and development updates to its Quest 2 virtual reality (VR) headset.
However, perhaps the centerpiece of the showcase event is the coverage of Rockstar North’s PlayStation 2 hit nostalgic video game title, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, following Zuckerberg’s announcement back in October that the game will make its way in Meta’s Quest 2 VR.
Meta’s showcase event
Last year, Zuckerberg announced GTA San Andreas will be included in Meta’s Quest 2 VR. The American media magnate and internet entrepreneur acknowledged the classic title as one of the greatest games ever made and moving it into Quest 2 VR will offer players a new way to experience the iconic title.
“This new version of, what I think is one of the greatest games ever made, will offer players an entirely new way to experience this iconic open-world in virtual reality,” Zuckerberg explained.
While more details are yet to be provided, many speculated the game looks in Quest 2 VR will be revealed in the showcase event later in April.
Tech Radar’s Hamish Hector notes that six months after the reveal event in October, it is the exact time for Meta to release a sneak peek about the game’s state. But also at the same time, gameplay release at the moment feels like “a near-certainty” and to get the game right, Meta will most likely take some time.
“Six months after its reveal, we feel that it’s time for Meta to give us at least a taste of what we can expect from San Andres VR. However, while a gameplay trailer feels like a near-certainty we aren’t expecting a release date at this time,” Hector wrote.
“We might be proven wrong, but given the scope of GTA San Andreas, we anticipate the VR port will need quite a bit of time to get right.”
Other games, expectations
GTA San Andreas reportedly is not the only game to make an appearance at Meta’s event. Reportedly there will be some of the popular titles in the entertainment industry showcased later on.
From 2018 hit online multiplayer title by developer Innersloth, Among Us VR, Maze Theory video game adaptation of popular series, Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom, updates related to Beat Saber, and new “next-gen VR” title by Cloudhead Games have been confirmed this far.
Additionally, “a whole lot of surprises” will be announced by Meta according to a released statement. Interested individuals may RSVP on Oculus’ website, while the showcase event is available at 10:00 am PT via Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Horizon Venues on April 20.
