This major update introduced virtual reality support to an already expansive creative platform. It allows users to step directly into the worlds they, and others, have built. The core experience remains focused on user-generated content, but with the added dimension of VR, the potential for immersion and interaction is significantly enhanced.

Released in 2020 for PlayStation VR on PlayStation 4, this update fundamentally changed how players could experience and create within the game. It wasn't just about viewing content; it was about interacting with it in a more visceral and intuitive way.

What's New with the VR Update?

The most significant addition is the integration of virtual reality. This allows players to use a PlayStation VR headset and optional PlayStation Move controllers to not only play existing creations but also to design and build their own experiences in a three-dimensional space. This offers a more hands-on and immersive approach to game development and exploration.

Inside the Box: A VR Showcase

To demonstrate the capabilities of the VR integration, a new collection of short games titled "Inside the Box" was released. This collection serves as a curated experience, showcasing various genres and mechanics that can be enjoyed in VR. It includes:

An art gallery
Motion-controlled maze puzzles
A speedrun shooter
A puzzle platformer

These examples highlight the diverse possibilities that VR opens up for both creators and players.

Gameplay and Creation in VR

With the VR update, most existing "dreams" (user-created games and experiences) became playable in virtual reality, regardless of whether they were originally designed with VR in mind. This means a vast library of content became accessible in a new, immersive format. The creation tools themselves were adapted for VR, enabling users to sculpt, paint, and animate directly within a virtual environment, offering a more tactile and intuitive design process.

Core Mechanics and Interaction

The VR implementation focuses on naturalistic interaction. Motion controls allow for precise manipulation of objects, aiming, and movement within virtual spaces. This enhances the feeling of presence and agency, making the experience more engaging.

Content and Availability

This update does not include any additional DLCs or expansions. The focus is on the core functionality of VR integration and the included "Inside the Box" collection.

Basic Game Information

Type: Update
Release Year: 2020
Platforms: PlayStation VR, PlayStation 4

How Does VR Change the Experience?

The introduction of VR transforms the game from a platform for creating and playing games into an immersive environment where players can directly inhabit and interact with those creations. It adds a new layer of depth and engagement, making the exploration of user-generated worlds a more personal and captivating experience. For creators, it offers a powerful new way to bring their visions to life.