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The Best Apps and Games to Get Seniors Into VR

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VR is a lot of fun and it can be a good way to keep moving. That’s true at any age. However, virtual reality can be a little … intense. Here, we’ll recommend some games and apps that might be the perfect introduction – or long-time favorite – for players coming to the medium a little later on.

We’ll be focusing on games and apps that move a little slower – after all, “VR sickness” can be a problem for newcomers at any age. Most of these games can also be played seated. We’ll also stay away from social experiences for now, because those can be a little … unpredictable. And, don’t worry, we try to run the gamut with titles available on Quest as well as PS VR and Steam.

First Steps (Quest 2)

Everyone should play First Steps for Quest 2. You might have thought you were too cool for this demo that comes pre-installed on the Quest 2, but you might learn something.

VR apps and games - First Steps for Oculus 2

Even if you already knew all of the controls that this little app takes you through, the dance game and target practice games are both embarrassingly fun – even for this VR veteran.

PlayStation VR Worlds (PS VR)

This may seem hard to believe for some, but PlayStation VR Worlds was released six years ago. At the time, it was how a lot of people had their first experience in virtual reality. And, it’s still a pretty good introduction.

PlayStation VR worlds

You might want to give the adventures a chance yourself. Some of them can be pretty hair-raising. But, some of them are pretty peaceful. The underwater adventure (the one without the sharks) is still a pretty laid-back VR experience.

Educational Content from Alchemy Immersive (Quest, Mobile)

From the microscopic world to outer space, to the neighbor that you never knew, Alchemy Immersive, available via Meta Quest TV, partners with world-renowned presenters and content producers to create XR versions of educational classics.

Kingdom of Plants with David Attenborough - Alchemy Immersive

Some of the experiences are 360 video, while others are full VR. Some are even mobile AR experiences that allow viewers to navigate their own experiences on a tabletop of floor space.

BRINK Traveler (Quest, PCVR, Mobile)

BRINK Traveler virtually takes viewers into volumetric captures of over a dozen of the world’s most impressive natural locations.

VR app BRINK Traveler

Whether in the mobile AR version or in a VR headset, these volumetric scenes can be navigated in full six degrees of freedom. Users can even travel the wonders of the world in joint adventures with other users.

Wander (Quest)

Wander is a VR classic – a port to Quest from the older Oculus Go.

Wander VR app

The app uses content from Wikipedia and Google Earth to create interactive and educational self-guided tours of just about anywhere. Virtually visit world heritage sites or places of personal significance.

Nature Treks VR (Quest, PCVR)

Nature Treks VR is another world-exploration experience. Beautifully crafted virtual environments range from forests, to deserts and jungles, to under the waves. Players also interact with virtual wildlife, with over 60 different species roaming the various biomes.



Be aware that the biome selected may impact overall comfort level. For example, a player might not be as comfortable under water as they are on solid ground.

Real VR Fishing (Quest)

Real VR Fishing is very real indeed. In addition to a dedicated reproduction of the act of fishing itself, the various locations in the game are all recreated virtual replicas of real places around the world.

Real VR Fishing

The base game currently costs $20, but additional locations can be purchased as optional downloadable content.

GOLF+ (Quest)

GOLF+ is cut from the same cloth as Real VR Fishing. The game presents itself as “the ultimate VR golf experience” and it’s hard to argue. After all, it has a seal of approval from the PGA. The experience is built around realistic physics and virtual recreations of real golf courses.

Golf+ VR game

Incidentally, GOLF+ is also a partner of Ready Player Golf, a virtual reality charity event that takes place each year.

Bait! (Quest)

Bait! is another VR fishing game but this one is free. Well, there are optional in-app purchases including expansion packs. But, the basic gameplay is free. Upgrades like new rods, reels, and bait are purchased using an in-game currency that players earn throughout the game.

Bait! VR game

The plot of the game: you are employed by a museum in pursuit of rare fish and it’s your job to catch them. The graphics and interfaces are more stylized than in other games like Real VR Fishing, but the gameplay is surprisingly intricate. Don’t get your reel rhythm just right and your hand slips. Fight the fish too hard, and your line breaks.

Walkabout Mini Golf (Quest, PCVR)

Real VR Fishing is to GOLF+ as Bait! is to Walkabout Mini Golf. This game focuses less on realism and more on a fun experience.

Walkabout Mini Golf VR app

The physics on the ball are accurate (as they must be in mini golf) but the courses in the game are often otherworldly. That’s true literally – the game recently released a course based on the fantasy film Labyrinth.

Puzzling Places (PS VR, Quest)

For another spatial version of a classic pastime, Puzzling Places is a virtual reality puzzle app with 3D pieces. Each of more than a dozen puzzles is a digital miniature version of a real location from around the world.

The puzzles come in “packs” so that you can buy them thematically to fit your taste – or buy them all as you need new challenges.

Moss (PS VR, Quest, PCVR)

Quill the mouse is the hero of the two-part Moss series. Quill fights baddies, solves puzzles, and gets into trouble. It could be a little disorienting at times except for one key feature: you don’t play as Quill. Instead, you watch Quill as he goes through his adventure while you manipulate the world around him to get him where he needs to go.

Moss VR game

In addition to being exciting and stimulating while remaining easy on the stomach, Moss is a beautiful game without uncomfortable content or images.

ASTRO BOT: Rescue Mission (PS VR)

ASTRO BOT: Rescue Mission has a lot of the same gameplay and graphic elements that lands Moss on this list, but it’s more sci-fi than fantasy. Cartoony characters and comfortable viewing make this action game more palatable despite a faster pace.

Supernatural (Quest)

Supernatural is a fitness app that takes the “live trainer” model that’s worked so well in non-VR fitness and makes it more immersive. Some of the exercises like the boxing exercise or the rhythm game “Flow” might be intense at first, but there are also the more laid-back meditation and stretching activities. Other elements include fitness tracking, leaderboards, and more.

Supernatural VR

Supernatural was even championed as a good app to get older users moving during Meta Connect this year. It was also announced that knee strikes are coming to the boxing exercise.

VR Isn’t Just for Kids

From documentaries, to workout apps, to simulations, to classic sit-down adventure games, virtual reality isn’t just shooting games. However, an ocean of content rife with high prices and technical concerns can make getting into VR difficult for anyone, not just seniors. Hopefully, this list will help you explore virtual reality, or introduce it to someone close to you.

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Quest Pro Update to Bring MR Passthrough Recording, Quest 2 Support for Pro Controllers

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Meta’s v47 software update for the Quest platform is packed with quality-of-life features that look to improve the user experience across Quest Pro and Quest 2, offering things like better media sync, an avatar mirror, and the ability to directly gift apps from your wishlist to friends and family. More importantly, Quest Pro is finally getting mixed reality passthrough recording in v47, and unlocking Quest Pro controller support for Quest 2.

First, here’s a look at the Quest Pro specific stuff, followed by updates affecting the whole Quest platform.

Quest Pro Updates

Meta is looking to make good use of the extra horsepower in Quest Pro, as it’s set to gradually rollout background audio playback as an experimental feature, which will let you listen to music and podcasts Browser as well as Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), which include things like 2D apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Spike, but also WebXR-based stuff too.

Not being able to record mixed reality footage was a bit of a letdown when Quest Pro launched back in late October, but now Meta says v47 will soon (again, gradual rollout) let you capture photos and videos while using mixed reality in passthrough mode. Here’s a look at how you can easily transition from VR to passthrough MR during the same recording:

Quest-wide Updates

Speaking of video capture, Meta is making it easier to capture video and images on Quest with the addition of capture controller shortcuts. Once you have v47 in-hand, you’ll be able to capture images by holding the Oculus button down and pulling the right controller trigger. To record video, hold the Oculus button and long-hold the right controller trigger.

And syncing media is supposed to be a better experience too, as Meta says it’s improving how you view, edit and share your photos and videos you capture in VR. We’re hoping the new syncing method is faster and more reliable than the previous, which promised to automatically sync to the Oculus app, but often times left us waiting for days for images and video to show up.

Meta is also unlocking Quest Pro Touch controller compatibility with Quest 2 in v47. Quest Pro’s controller is the company’s first inside-out tracked controllers due to the inclusion of its own camera sensors. That means a wider range of motion in-game since you don’t need direct line of sight between the headset and controllers.

Quest 2 Controller (top), Quest Pro Controller (bottom) | Photo by Road to VR

Many social VR apps have mirrors for easier avatar management, and now Quest will too. The v47 update lets you view and edit your avatar with a new mirror added to Home. This is set to roll out gradually and will be initially available in four environments: Desert Terrace, Space Station, Winter Lodge, and Cascadia.

Here’s a couple more goodies being added in v47:

  • Universal Menu Customization – You can start, find, and jump into a multiplayer session with your friends directly from the home screen. You’ll be able to pin and unpin apps from your library to your Universal Menu for quicker access to apps.
  • Revamped device management screen – Makes it easier to know when your headset needs to be charged.
  • Shareable Wishlists – Make your app wishlist public and send a link to friends and family. Modify your wishlist from the Store tab on your headset or the Meta Quest mobile app. Friends and family will be able to directly gift apps from your wishlist.
  • Meta Quest Digital Gift Cards – Redeemable for any app or game in the Meta Quest Store.

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‘Batman VR’ App Allegedly in the Works for Quest, FTC Filing Claims

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Among documents released by the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier this week is a claim that Meta’s VR studio Camouflaj, the developers behind Marvel’s Ironman VR, have also planned a Batman VR app for release on Quest.

The apparent leak was found by Janko Roettgers, formerly of Protocol and Variety. The document in whole can be viewed here.

“In September 2022, Meta acquired Camouflaj, which currently developing Ironman and Batman VR apps for Quest.”

The information comes as a part of wider antitrust investigation into Meta’s acquisition of Within, the studio behind the VR fitness app. You can read more about that here.

Last we heard from Camouflaj before the acquisition by Meta, the studio said it had “exciting things on the horizon,” maintaining it was still “all-in on VR.”

As early as May 2022, the studio was hiring for a host of positions to work on its “next exciting AAA project.”

A few months later the studio then released Iron Man VR on Quest 2, releasing it from its two-year exclusivity on PSVR.

Camouflaj hasn’t announced any new projects at this point either. We’ve reached out to Meta for comment and will update when/if we hear back.

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MikeTeeVee Launches Its First Studio VR Puzzle Game: Shores of Loci

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After the exponential growth in the global VR market during the pandemic, the demand for more immersive gaming experiences continues to increase at a steady rate. In fact, the VR gaming market is expected to reach $33.65 billion by 2026.

One clear indication of this growth is the wide variety of virtual reality games available today. We can easily play RPGs, VR puzzle games, platformers, and other game genres on various devices such as VR headsets, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and PCs.

One of the latest additions to the growing list of immersive VR games is Shores of Loci, a single-player narrative puzzle game developed by a women-led production studio, MikeTeeVee. By combining mentally stimulating challenges and soothing sound effects, the game provides users with a unique VR puzzle game experience that eases stress and calms the mind.

Shores of Loci: A Puzzling Adventure

Shores of Loci transports players into a surreal world where they become part of a multidimensional story set in mystical realms. Each chapter takes players into a different dimension where they embark on an adventure, helping giants and villagers reclaim their land and rebuild their homes.

Shores of Loci VR puzzle game

They must reconstruct the virtual domains by finding the right pieces of land and putting them together. Once all the correct puzzle pieces are in place, they merge together into spectacular scenery delivered in crisp 4K resolution.

The gameplay is highly intuitive, creating an inclusive experience as players travel through the different realms. As they complete the puzzles, unique characters start populating the cities and villages they have rebuilt. Aside from having a sense of accomplishment for successfully solving challenging puzzles, players also feel a sense of fulfillment for rebuilding and restoring forgotten civilizations and quaint towns, albeit virtually.

Shores of Loci is also one of the few VR games that are completely for all ages and all genders. The game can be played while standing or sitting, so it’s also inclusive. There are currently five chapters with twelve different puzzles and a sixth chapter set underwater that’s being developed.

The VR puzzle game is available in Meta Quest Store for $14.99.

An Immersive VR Puzzle Game Set in a Meditative Environment

What sets Shores of Loci apart from other VR puzzle games is the way it integrates a meditative ambience into its gameplay. With the game developed in the midst of the pandemic, its designers were intent on creating a VR game that nurtured the mental health and well-being of players.

Unlike other games that boost adrenaline by putting players in combat environments or competitive scenarios, Shores of Loci encourages peaceful exploration where there are no enemies, no battles, and no time limits. There are no penalties for choosing the wrong puzzle pieces, so players can go leisurely through each puzzle without stressing over scores or rankings. To make the game more relaxing, there are serene sound effects and calming music.

VR puzzle game Shores of Loci

This relaxing gameplay allows users to see virtual reality games from a different perspective. Its compelling puzzles stimulate the brain and enhance logical thinking while its visually striking scenery, beautifully woven story, and tranquil ambient sound soothe the mind and provide a peaceful escape from hectic lives.

VR Games That Positively Impact Lives

As the demand for more meaningful experiences in virtual reality grows, we can expect to see more games like Shores of Loci that aim to positively impact its players. VR games that are both immersive and meditative will provide unique experiences that can uplift our well-being. They will transport us to virtual worlds where we can clear our minds and relieve our stress.

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Meta to Resume Quest Sales in Germany Following 2-year Antitrust Case

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Over the past two years Meta hasn’t sold its VR headsets in Germany due to an ongoing antitrust suit in that country that alleges the forced linkage between its virtual reality products and Facebook was an anticompetitive practice. Now it seems that’s about to change, as regulators have intimated that Meta may be free and clear soon to resume sales in Germany.

As reported by German VR publication MIXED, residents of Europe’s largest economy will soon be able to order Quest 2 and Quest Pro, which are both set to be available in-country by the end of this year.

After the sales halt in September 2020, Germany-based customers had to import Meta VR devices, which was typically done by buying from online retailers based in neighboring European countries, such as France’s Amazon.fr or Italy’s Amazon.it.

Resuming sales in Germany is directly linked to Meta’s backtracking on forced Facebook logins in August. Andreas Mundt, President of Germany’s Federal Cartel Office which is tasked with antitrust enforcement in that country, calls this a “welcome development,” although the process is still not concluded.

Here’s Mundt’s full statement, translated to English:

With Meta’s digital ecosystem created with a very large number of users, the company is the key player in the social media space. Meta also has a significant position in the growing VR market. If the use of VR glasses were only possible for Facebook or Instagram members, this could severely affect competition in both areas. Meta has responded to our concerns and offered a solution by setting up a separate Meta account to use the Quest glasses. Despite this welcome development, we are not concluding the process today. First of all, we want to continue to accompany the actual design of the options for users as well as topics of the merging and processing of user data from the various meta-services.

Although a Meta spokesperson tells MIXED that both Quest 2 and the new Quest Pro will be available in-country at some point this year, the exact date is unclear.

Thanks to our reader Blaexe for pointing out that it wasn’t a block, but an anticipatory halt on Meta’s part during the ongoing antitrust suit. We’ve changed wording to reflect this.

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3lb Games’ “Space Dragon” Introduces Groundbreaking New Widget

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Space Dragon: Unchained is a new offering from 3lb Games. In addition to being an intergalactic good time, it debuts what could become every streamer’s new favorite widget. I talked with CEO, Robin Moulder, about how the game came together and where it’s going next.

“Space Dragon: Unchained”

In addition to building immersive training solutions for enterprise clients, 3lb Games makes fun and moving VR games like Slime Rancher and Vault of Stars. In 2017, the company released Space Dragon for PCVR. Space Dragon: Unchained, is the new release of Space Dragon for Quest 2.

Play as Not Just One, but Two Fire-Breathing Dragons

Space Dragon is an arcade-style shooter. Each hand controls one dragon, both capable of launching fireballs at various targets throughout the game. Both controllers can also help to control movement within the space setting of the game.

3lb Games - VR game Space Dragon

“The game was born out of the movement system. The flight mechanic was a huge favorite in the game,” said Moulder. “That kind of led us into [the idea that] we should be flying because flying is cool. Why would we want to walk? I can walk in real life.”

Playing as both dragons, the player begins the game escaping from a mysterious facility. Once out, the player encounters planets and space dragons that have been similarly contained. The main action of the game is freeing these planets and space dragons by destroying robot satellites.



Of course, the robots shoot back. Your dragons begin to grow darker and visibly take damage when hit. When your dragons die, the level restarts. At the end of each level is a boss that behaves differently and is guarded by different degrees of enemies.

The World and Inhabitants of Space Dragon

Reading releases and other material about the game gives hints about the plot. A player can choose to fly through the levels destroying everything and wrap the game up relatively quickly but taking more time to explore the levels gives other hints about the universe in which the game takes place and about the creatures that inhabit it.

“We talked a lot about the backstory of Space Dragon,” said Moulder. “We really wanted to tap into letting the player come up with the why. … You start thinking and making up your own version of reality.”

Space Dragon VR game

One update to the game has already gone live since its initial release in November, and Moulder said that there are plans for an upcoming multiplayer mode. While she says that a multiplayer title would focus less on the story and more on the gameplay, it would likely give us a bit more food for thought.

Plenty of food for thought is already provided by the level and character design of the game. The levels are beautifully animated and each of the boss characters has its own drastically different nature in appearance and movement. Each level also has its own original metal score written and performed by Moulder inspired by the boss of the level.

“The space whale is more funky because he’s got bigger, wider movements,” said Moulder. “For the phoenix, I took a different approach – it’s very time-dependent … that gave me this tick-tock kind of more pensive feeling.”

Playing “Space Dragon: Unchained”

Playing Space Dragon: Unchained is a delight. I played through the tutorial and the first level in relatively short order and got stuck on the second boss. For the first time in a long time, I found that I was thinking about the game with the headset off – trying to come up with a strategy for how to defeat the boss while I wasn’t actually in the game.

I realized that I was under-utilizing the motion controls (before Moulder told me that the motion controls were the inspiration for the whole game). With that idea in mind, I went back the next day and got to the penultimate stage where I got stuck again, this time lost in a surprisingly intricate level design.

VR game Space Dragon

With another gem that Moulder told me in our interview, I’m pretty sure that I can get through that obstacle as well. I’m looking forward to conquering Space Dragon: Unchained as it is now, as well as revisiting it with future updates. The VR game is currently available for $8 on the Quest Store ((through App Lab).

A Game-Changing New Tool

One feature of Space Dragon that could have huge potential beyond the game itself is a new widget that displays a Twitch chat live on the gamer’s in-game view. The widget was inspired by Moulder’s own affection for the game streaming platform.

“It threw me back to the days at the arcade when you put your quarters in the machine and everyone gathered around and cheered you on. That’s Twitch,” said Moulder. “We’re definitely going to add this to every game we produce … if we’re able to put this out as a Unity asset, we will. If it’s too much pulled together, we’ll probably write a blog telling everyone how to do it.”

The widget, in whatever form it takes in the future, has a huge potential not just for gamers but for designers. Streaming platforms like Twitch (and Twitch content streamed or uploaded to other platforms like YouTube) contribute to the hype and discoverability around VR games in a major way. Bringing Twitch and VR together through this integration could be huge.

The Arcade Gamer’s Arcade Game

“Arcade” kept coming back up in our conversations. From the style of level design, to the way that the controls and strategies stick in your head, to the Twitch integration, and even to Moulder’s metal soundtrack. Space Dragon: Unchained is a seemingly simple but rich and beautiful game definitely worth the $8. I mean, that’s really just $4 per fire-breathing dragon.

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