Colin Cassidy
Memoreum: A New Horror Experience Coming to Quest and SteamVR
Patient 8 Games, the creators of the popular Half-Life: Alyx mod, Return to Rapture, are venturing into new territory with their upcoming game, Memoreum. Originally conceived as a Dead Space mod, Memoreum has evolved into a full-fledged VR horror experience set to release next year on the Quest and SteamVR platforms.
From Modding to a Unique Horror Experience
Following the success of their BioShock-inspired mod, Return to Rapture, Patient 8 Games decided to take a different route and create something entirely new. Memoreum is set in a dystopian future where Earth is slowly dying, and humanity looks to the stars for salvation. As the player, you awaken aboard a colony spaceship and must uncover the mysteries behind the ship’s malfunction and the fate of humanity.
Interview with the Developers
In an exclusive interview with Patient 8 Games, Creative Director Seamus Bryner and Project Director Wim Buytaert provided insight into the development of Memoreum. The interview covered various aspects of the game, from its inception as a mod to the team’s passion for the horror genre.
Game Development and Inspiration
Memoreum began as a Dead Space mod for Half-Life Alyx, but as the team started adding more elements, it evolved into an original game concept. The studio has been working on the game for over a year and a half, with a team scattered across multiple countries, making Gamescom 2023 the first time they all met in person.
When asked why they chose to focus on horror, Bryner explained that they wanted to create a fully immersive VR horror experience that went beyond the usual VR games. They saw an opportunity to bring their own unique spin to the genre and provide players with a meaty, fully-fledged horror campaign.
The Premise and Gameplay
Memoreum puts players in the shoes of Dr. Otto Hudson, a renowned scientist who wakes up from stasis aboard the Century Dawn, a colonizing spaceship. With Earth on the brink of collapse, the ship’s inhabitants are humanity’s last hope. However, something has gone terribly wrong, and it’s up to Dr. Hudson to uncover the truth and save humanity.
The gameplay of Memoreum combines survival horror and action horror, striking a delicate balance between exploration, puzzles, and engaging encounters. The team emphasized the importance of environmental storytelling, with every room and detail designed to tell a story and immerse players in the game world. The game also features a robust weapon system, allowing players to craft and upgrade their weapons as they progress.
Platforms and Release
Memoreum is initially targeting a release on the Quest platform, with a simultaneous launch on SteamVR. Patient 8 Games also expressed their intentions to bring the game to PlayStation VR2 and Pico platforms if given the opportunity. However, at present, the focus is on the Quest and SteamVR platforms, as further discussions with Sony have not yet taken place. The developers are aiming for a release window in 2024.
Final Thoughts
Patient 8 Games is determined to bridge the gap between traditional survival horror games like Resident Evil, Dead Space, and Silent Hill, and the immersive possibilities of VR. Memoreum aims to scare players while providing a fun and memorable experience. With a planned 10-15 hours of gameplay, including New Game Plus and replayability options, Memoreum promises to be a fully fleshed-out horror adventure.
As we eagerly anticipate its release, Memoreum has the potential to push the boundaries of VR horror and deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre.
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