While Ubisoft is still in the process of developing its virtual reality (VR) shooter Space Junkies for home use, the studio has taken an unusual step by announcing the launch of the arcade version, and with it a special tournament in conjunction with the Virtual Athletics League.
From today, Space Junkies is available in over one hundred VR arcades worldwide, allowing players to engage in both local games with friends and online matches with other locations. The arcade version will feature a variety of maps, characters to choose from and weapons to take down opponents. Head on over to the blog post to find a continually updated list of Space Junkies locations.
And to celebrate the launch of Sapce Junkies Arcade, Ubisoft has teamed up with Virtual Athletics League for a tournament starting later this month. Called the Space Junkies International 2v2 Tournament, you can register at one of the 32 participating arcades from today until 18th February 2019. Players can also ask their local VR arcade to contact the Virtual Athletics League to join the tournament.
The first phase of the tournament will then start on 19th February, running through to 6th March. The remaining teams will then face off in the play-offs starting on 11th March, with the Grand Finals happening on 15th March 2019. Any team of two players can enter, with $4,500 USD + in prizes up for grabs.
Described as: “A visceral, jetpack-fueled VR Arcade Shooter where you fly through deadly Orbital Arenas in hostile space, facing off in extreme battles!,” by Ubisoft, Space Junkies has already seen several open betas take place during the course of 2018. Players engage in either 1-v-1 or 2-v-2 matches using a variety of weapons such as “Sunblasters” and “Bioguns” to dispatch enemies.
When it comes to an actual launch for home systems like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, Ubisoft has merely stated 2019, without ever giving a definitive date. With the launch of the arcade version, it surely can’t be too long before Space Junkies gets an official consumer launch. As and when further details are released regarding the home version VRFocus will let you know. In the meantime find a local arcade to play Space Junkies.