Stunlock Studio’s PvP brawler Battlerite has just received a state-of-the-art feature update that puts it toe to toe with DOTA 2. A new VR spectator and camera system that seems to trump even Valve’s own.
Battlerite is a game you may not have heard of, and as the spiritual successor to the Stunlock Studio‘s Bloodline Champions, a title that was well received critically, but failed to set the world alight in terms of play base, that’s perhaps understandable. But the Bloodline Champions did have somewhat of a cult following and Battlerite, once again a top down PvP arena fighter, is much anticipated among BC’s player base.
Battlerite just entered closed beta and is set for a September release, and if the developers have lavished as much love and attention on the main game as they have their newly announced VR spectator mode, players are in for a treat.
According to Stunlock, the team have been “experimenting with VR-technology by developing unique software to capture the gameplay action,” and they’ve now revealed that they intend to give players not actively fighting the power to to enjoy matches as spectators via virtual reality, but more than that, direct their own coverage of matches too.
We wrote recently that most famous of MOBAs, Valve’s DOTA 2, has just released their extremely impressive ‘VR Hub’ which takes its eSports heritage up an evolutionary notch and re-imagines the spectator experience in virtual reality. DOTA 2’s VR Hub offers spectators not just an immersive way to experience battles, but enhances the experience further with an at-a-glance maps they can dive into, as well as player stats. It’s all very well executed, but Battlerite is looking to out do DOTA 2‘s efforts.
First up is Battlerite’s virtual reality ‘Observer Mode’ which focuses on enhancing the spectator experience by adding intuitive looking “pinch to zoom” style motion control support and neat touches like the ability to quickly drag and the world around you with motion from one hand. Peer over and lean into the arena or zoom straight down to the arena’s floor to get up close if desired. Neat additional touches like offering a seat in the stands with the cheering crowds and Stunlock are even toying with the idea of spectator adoration, allowing them to shower their virtual heroes with rose petals
But perhaps it’s Stunlock’s ‘Camera Tool’ that offers the most scope for actual creativity as an observer. As Stunlock put it, “enables you to record footage of the digital Battlerite world, like a director of your own movie.” Indeed, Stunlock boast that their most recent gameplay trailer for Battlerite was produced using this feature, which gives you some idea of what might be possible.
The mode lets you control virtual cameras positioned using motion controllers, offering a live preview of your work as you go. All of this is hooked into the game’s replay system too, allowing you to scrub forwards and backwards through a recorded match timeline. On top of that, Battlerite is also offering up variety shooting styles like camera arc motion smoothing and “floor of the action” steady-cam style mode to spice up the footage.
It’s great to see an independent developer deeming immersive features important enough to warrant integration from the get go and everyone who buys Battlerite will be given access to these tools from launch.
Battlerite is set for a September release, and you’ll be able to grab your copy over at Steam via Early Access soon.