Two Oculus Quest Launch Titles Being Killed Off by Meta

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Meta to Shut Down Two Original Oculus Quest Launch Titles

Meta has announced that it will be discontinuing support for two first-party original Oculus Quest launch titles, Bogo and Dead And Buried II, beginning on March 15, 2024. This decision aligns with Meta’s own platform policies, which require developers to provide a minimum of 180 days notice before shutting down an app.

Bogo, a free virtual pet app, was designed to showcase the wireless room scale tracking and hand controllers of the Oculus Quest. This VR app is unique in that it adapts to the size of the user’s playspace, allowing for interaction even in small rooms. Bernie Yee, a former manager at Meta who led the team responsible for developing Bogo, expressed disappointment over the app’s deprecation and called for its preservation on App Lab.

“It’s sad that my former team’s proof of experience that launched standalone VR is getting deprecated. It’s history that’s lost. Can you move it to AppLab, at least?” – Bernie Yee

Bernie Yee expresses his disappointment over the deprecation of Bogo.

Dead And Buried II, a multiplayer shooter, will also no longer be supported by Meta. This decision may be motivated by the need to cease maintenance of servers and online services associated with the game. Meta previously made a similar decision in August 2023 regarding the popular VR game Echo Arena.

While Meta has not provided specific reasons for discontinuing support for these two titles, it is possible that the use of outdated software development kits (SDKs) and a lack of resources to update the apps have contributed to the decision. However, it remains unclear why the apps could not have been demoted to App Lab for continued availability.

Implications for Oculus Quest Users

Owners of Bogo and Dead And Buried II have been notified via email about the impending discontinuation of these apps. After March 15, 2024, the apps will no longer receive support or updates from Meta. This may disappoint users who have developed an attachment to these titles or who regularly engage with them.

Furthermore, Meta’s decision to deprecate the original Oculus Quest has also raised concerns among developers. The company ceased releasing feature updates for the headset in February and will discontinue its maintenance with security and bug fixes after August 2024. Developers will no longer be able to release new apps for the original Oculus Quest after January 2024.

While this news may be disheartening for some Oculus Quest owners and developers, it also highlights the rapid evolution of VR technology and the need for continuous innovation to provide users with the best possible experiences. As Meta focuses on advancing its VR platforms, the company may need to make difficult decisions regarding legacy apps to prioritize future development.

The Legacy of Bogo and Dead And Buried II

Bogo, in particular, holds historical significance as one of the first standalone VR experiences for Oculus Quest. Developed by a team led by Bernie Yee, who now heads a virtual creatures startup called Windup Minds, Bogo served as a demonstration of the capabilities of the Oculus Quest’s wireless tracking and room-scale VR. The app’s deprecation signifies the end of an era for early VR adopters and highlights the importance of preserving VR milestones for future generations.

Dead And Buried II also played a vital role in the early days of the Oculus Quest, offering one of the first FPS multiplayer experiences on the platform. Users were able to engage in team-based shootouts and free-for-all deathmatches, as well as additional game modes introduced in subsequent updates. Although the game’s discontinuation may disappoint fans, it reflects the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and the constant emergence of new experiences.

Looking Ahead for Oculus Quest

As Meta continues to push the boundaries of VR technology, it is expected that more changes and advancements will be made to its Oculus Quest platform. While the discontinuation of Bogo and Dead And Buried II may be saddening for some, it is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry. Users can look forward to new and exciting VR experiences on the Oculus Quest, as developers and Meta work together to shape the future of virtual reality.

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