Half-Life: Alyx on PSVR? Here's What Valve Has to Say

Designer Greg Coomer reconfirms that the "initial" release of Half-Life: Alyx will be "available for SteamVR only". It definitely sounds like Valve is aware of the desire to see the game come to PSVR, however: "We believe Sony’s VR platform has been a huge success for the medium, and we assume that lots of Sony customers would love to experience this new chapter of Half-Life."

[gangsta_red]

Get a good PC and the many VR headsets available for it if you want to play this Half Life game

[Mr_Writer85]

Gangsta_red

Or just wait for the inevitable port.

[D__RAiL]

a completely compromised port just like the console port of Half Life 2 was greatly compromised. I am not even referring to the graphics alone but the physics engine

[Mr_Writer85]

As long as its fun.

I never played the PC version of Half Life. But I enjoyed the PS2 version.

Same with Half Life 2 I enjoyed that on the Xbox.

Also I would guess that if it did indeed come to PSVR it would most likely come to the PS5, so we don't know for sure how (if any) compromises are made.

I'm not going to loose sleep if it doesn't come, I mean Valve need a hardware seller.

But I'd happily support a port.

[TheHateTheyGive]

At least it will sell on console while 90% of the pc mooching race will torrent it like they do all the games. I dont care if they downvote me because what im saying is the truth. Brag and boast about them 500.00 gpu's that 300.00 cpu while torrenting your games.Theres a reason why 95% of the new blockbuster games launches on console 1st and pc a year or many years down the road.

[1Victor]

@D_Railed the industry have greatly changed in the last 21 years since half life 2 on PS2 when it was a fast cash grab with little to no repercussions now they can’t half bake a port or they’ll be blown out of the internet by all the fans. PSVR is the biggest market for VR games like it or not it’s the reality and in reality games go where the biggest audience is and for VR it’s PSVR.
In reality it will be time exclusive till the PSVR2 come out and it’s going to be day one.
@gansta living only on Xbox reality can be harmful to your psychological state

[FlameBaitGod]

@TheHateTheyGive

Yeah, that's why steam keeps making more money each year, because 90% of them torrent their games, I'm sorry you and everyone who up voted you are this brain dead, get well soon.

[_SilverHawk_]

I like the psvr but I think half life alyx should not be on the psvr because the experience would be greatly diminished due to the psvr capabilities and controllers. If it goes to psvr it would be ok but itll be massively downgraded but some people dont mind that.

[umair_s51]

My thoughts exactly

[gangsta_red]

💯

[pecorre]

Valve clearly want an exclusivity period. After it, the PS5 will probably be available. It would make perfect sence to release the game on the new console.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

PSVR2 on PS5

[_SilverHawk_]

Why after seeing half life alyx and how amazing it looks people would want a very degraded version of that game. I understand steam vr is very expensive for some but sometimes people should wait till they can afford something or just be satisfied with what they have. Itll most likely be on the obviously more powerful psvr2 with better controller options but to be on psvr now to me would be a greatly degraded experience

[Stanjara]

Yeah and Witcher 3 should have never come to Switch. Where is smoke (money) there is fire.

[Dom_Estos]

This is true. The Move controllers and the PSVR's tracking solution work, but they are very finicky to the point where it'd be doing an injustice to a VR game that's supposed to be pushing the potential of what VR is. I love the PSVR, but I seriously can't wait for Sony to do away with the Moves and the camera on it.

[telekineticmantis]

The Game comes out March, they could wait a few Monthsto release it on the PS5, to get the upgraded processing.

[Lightbullz]

Downgraded version is better than nothing

[The Wood]

Wait a minute. . .you guys know what the next Psvr will be capable of already. . . Please send the the UK lottery numbers. . . I need that sight beyond sight you possess. Saying something shouldn't be on another vr platform sounds kinda weird for the type that celebrate when an exclusive goes multi;) I know I know. . . . 'reasons'

I'll make that kinda statement when I see what the next psvr comes equipped with.

[_SilverHawk_]

"Wait a minute. . .you guys know what the next Psvr will be capable of already. "

The psvr 2.0 isnt going to be a Nintendo product where you have to hope that itll probably be just a bit more powerful than the previous version and not a lot more powerful or a true next generation system. Going by the history of playstation or sony as a whole they try to have their devices on the cutting edge of technology so a gamer can logically assume that the psvr 2.0 will be as powerful as steam vr or close to it because itll be at a consumer friendly price range. I know most of the capabilities of the psvr 2.0 will depend on ps5s power but psvr 2.0 will be a lot better than psvr now with better controllers than the ps move

[NXFather]

By the time it comes out it should be on PSVR2 also but, there won't be a large PSVR2 install base.

[AspiringProGenji]

W3 on switch is a downgraded version but it is okay because it is the switch. Why can’t psvr have a downgraded version too?

[Babadook7]

Actually the PSVR headset is not particularly compromised with one of the best displays of the original 3 headsets. Pair that with ps5 and new controllers and it could be a great way to play half life vr.

[xTonyMontana]

Depends how it turns out really, a downgraded VR product wouldn't be so bad providing the physics are intact. After playing boneworks, the physics in VR are heavily underrated and an integral part of the experience. From the sounds of it, the original PSVR may not be up to the task but PS5 and an improved PSVR would likely be absolutely fine.

[StoneyYoshi]

I can agree to your statement with the controllers diminishing the game. But the only thing that the PSVR would diminish is the FOV and display quality. The rest of the concerns with graphics quality would only require the PS5 since the headset is just a display with lights and motion sensors built in. So basically if you have a PSVR 1 and you have a PS5 with Half Life Alyx then the game will still look and perform well. It just wont have as good of picture quality like the Valve Index. Im sure if you didn't want to upgrade to the PSVR 2 then you can still purchase whatever upgraded controllers that they happen to come out with in the future which would solve the controller concern everyone has.

[FlyingFoxy]

One of the things Valve said before was that they don't like the "walled garden" or something, of consoles and prefer the freedom of PC.

It obviously will be a lesser experience on consoles but we'll see what happens.

[Profchaos]

Ps5 will support the psvr but it will need to significantly upgrade the tracking used to compete with the index

[S2Killinit]

Right, or get it on PSVR2.

[gangsta_red]

It was announced for PSVR 2 already!?

[S2Killinit]

Well from the article it seems its coming to consoles that have VR. So, going by what Valve is saying, it seems that way.

But you can get it on PC, which I might do myself. It all depends on the timing of PS5 for me.

[gangsta_red]

No where in the article does it say it's coming to consoles.

If you have a PC already why get it for PS5?

[Neonridr]

PSVR2 hasn't even been announced and I wouldn't expect it for quite some time still..

[S2Killinit]

The game isnt coming anytime soon either no? Or is it? As for PSVR2, its coming for sure. Its a matter of time.

[Mr_Writer85]

@gangsta

"If you have a PC already why get it for PS5"

Maybe the PC isn't VR ready? If there was a PS5 version coming then you already have the headset (guessing) then buying the game and a PS5, would potentially be cheaper then upgrading a PC, buying a decent PC VR headset and the game.

Also plenty of people double dip.

[S2Killinit]

@red
The purpose of the entire article implies its coming to other devices. I have a PC and Ive been a supporter of all VR devices all generation long. Im also purchasing the PSVR2 when it arrives, so for me there is the option to get it on PSVR2 if timing allows. Do you have a problem with me having that option Gangster_red?

[Neonridr]

the purpose of this article is to not enrage console people by Valve saying "we have nothing to announce at this time". They didn't want to simply say No. Will it come to PSVR2? Maybe.. but that's years away at this point.

[S2Killinit]

Enrage? Not sure what you mean. But, regardless, im pretty sure ill be playing this soon. Either on my PS5 or PC. Like I said its a matter of timing. Especially considering Valve’s acknowledgement of PSVR’s success, it seems more than a simple “no”.

[CaptainHenry916]

Or wait for PSVR 2. Personally I'm going to use my Oculus Quest and play it

[Dragonscale]

Don't need to. My PSVR will be fine thanks.

[Shikoku]

Or you can spend less money and still play shill.

[Kribwalker]

If i was to get into VR this would probably be my route. No compromise on quality with those high end headsets. If for sure want wireless as well, or i wouldn’t want it

[S2Killinit]

Been enjoying VR since the beginning. But good for you. VR is great.

[CaptainHenry916]

@S2Killinit

Have you tried out Oculus Quest? The quality actually looks better than PSVR and it's wireless

[Venoxn4g]

@Captain Henry...yes, sure we believe you :) did you know if you connect NES to VR or Switch it has the better graphics than PSVR too! :) /s

[fr0sty]

I'll happily play it on my PS5.

[Profchaos]

You can always use trinus and connect your psvr to the PC if you have a of capable of playing it. But lots of psvr players won't.

[TheScotsman]

And spend over a grand to play it on pc? No danger it will be just fine on psvr, no matter how they port it. Lol

[sampsonon]

it will be on ps5 .

that's if they like money.

[Abnor_Mal]

Keep it, I'm not buying a new system just for one game.

[cannon8800]

"Coomer goes on to confirm that a PlayStation VR port is not in active development "because we’re very focused on the initial release". Having said that, he concludes that Valve has "not ruled anything out".

So there's still hope lol

[Abnor_Mal]

Exactly, read the article last night on google news feed.

So if there is hope that it will cone to PSVR then I do not need to buy any other device.

If it does not because of "reasons", then it will just be a game that I miss out on because the devs want to "focus on the initial release".

In all honesty, I think that was just an answer to not create any waves that could cast a bad light on the game and possibly hamper sale, but they have no real intention to ever consider, much less actually bring the game to PSVR. But that's just MY opinion.

[sprinterboy]

Psvr2 port in 3 years then? I can wait 😊

[FlyingFoxy]

Except it's not going to be just "one game" there's more titles Valve are working on.. It's debatable that they'll all just be VR though, I think making a VR only L4D will be a mistake.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

That would make me poop myself though 😲

[Abnor_Mal]

I'm strictly talking VR.

[Dom_Estos]

Not to mention the slew of other really good VR titles out there. But sure, trying to convince naysayers is like banging your head against a brick wall.

[FlyingFoxy]

@SolidGear3 if Valve has any sense a new L4D would be both a VR and none VR game in one, whether that's VR players playing with none VR players or a separate VR mode I don't know.. I think they would cut off too many players multiplayer wise if it were VR only. I mean it is really a MP only game, I know you can play with bots but lets be honest that gets boring after a little bit.

[BlackTar187]

So does that mean we'll get the next game in 7yrs?

[D__RAiL]

Than you do not understand the amazing exclusives that are already on PC like Asgards Wrath and Stormland but I have a suspicion that Facebook is going to establish a relationship with Sony and we will see these games on both platforms and other Sony titles on Oculus.

[Abnor_Mal]

Oh I am 96.8% sure that there are amazing exclusives on PC, I am not doubting that. I am not a PC person and know little about computers and would find it a chore to try and teach myself the basic fundamentals of using a PC and/or learning the various parts that make up a PC.

I see Oculus have a commercial for a VR HMD that does not required any PC at all, if I am understanding correctly. That would be something I would be interested in, if the price is right.

Well that would be good if Sony and Facebook do establish a relationship and share titles in the VR space. Although didn't Sony just cut a Facebook function on the PS4 to upload videos. I never read the reason behind that decision, so I can only hope that they are still in good standings with each other.

[Unspoken]

That's what I said about the PS4.

[kitano1947]

Thats what valve do, they push the boundries and PC gaming. HL1 & HL2 both required almost new systems for the majority of people. What came after was a whole generation of Mods that went on to be played by millions.

[FunAndGun]

Will just stick to PSVR. If they bring it there, great, if not, I have plenty to play.

Just started playing Moss, and it is such a great experience!

[sprinterboy]

Recommend "lost bear" and "ghost giant" buddy for hidden little vr gems.

https://youtu.be/QxZDG9EtAH...
https://youtu.be/hEJnJz43e1...

[Abnor_Mal]

Never heard of Lost Bear, like the look reminds me of Inside.
Ghost Giant seems similar to Moss, not in gameplay again just the look of the game is where my mind took me.

Seems like two short games that will be enjoyable after a long RPG or open world.

[FunAndGun]

Thanks for the recommendations. There are so many little VR games/downloads on PSN, it's hard to find the quality experiences. Will definitely look into the ones you mentioned.

[Venoxn4g]

What about Carly and the reaperman?

[Abnor_Mal]

Moss is the next PSVR game I will play.
Just finished Astrobot, loved it, can not wait for a sequel to be announced. Currently playing CoD WW2 which I borrowed from a friend to play the story campaign.

[Spikeantestor]

I just finished Moss and just STARTED Astro Bot! Really liked Moss a lot. Someone said that Astro Bot is the PSVR's Mario and Moss is it's Zelda. I think that overstates the quality of Moss but it really is a fantastic game.

[FunAndGun]

Haha, I also will be playing Astrobot after I finish Moss. Bought them both at the same time and started Moss first. Heard all positivity from Astrobot, looking forward to it.

[Fraggle1987]

Will defo be going to psvr at some point as its the most successful vr headset by a good distance. Silly to leave the biggest vr audience out.

[Edgelordsupreme]

It's not going to run on a PS4 anywhere close to where they would want it to be, the controller is a pretty massive step back from the other VR controllers available too. They don't really care about selling an amount of units, they care about showcasing VR in the best light possible and running it at 60hz with compromises on the controller and the visual fidelity doesn't sound like a Valve move.

[StoneyYoshi]

Why would they run it at 60Hz? PSVR has 90Hz displays and all PSVR games require frame rates no lower than 60FPS but that doesn't mean that all PSVR games are running at 60FPS due to potential motion sickness sony stated they will not approve a game for VR if it cant at least hold 60FPS. Most devs goals are 90FPS for a comfortable VR experience

[Anomander]

In other words buy the Valve index. The game is designed for it and the controller. Yes you can use the other PC headsets. I plan on using my Vive with it, but will probably update to the index controllers as well. Looking forward to this PC exclusive!

[Dom_Estos]

Not sure why you're getting disagrees for stating an obvious fact, but sure, that's this place alright. Gotta be that blind fanboy to get the agrees kicking in. It's not so much the HMD itself, though. HMD's are just essentially displays, but you're right about the controller. The major limiting factor of the PSVR is the Moves. Playing something like Alyx, a game designed to have high fidelity control mechanics and physics with the Moves will be like trying to eat soup with a fork.

[Anomander]

That and the PSVR is not very high resolution as well. Nothing is known shit PSVR2 yet. I think it's ironic Sony fans want to keep exclusives to themselves but expect everything else to come out for the PSVR.

[KaiPow]

I do hope PSVR gets better controllers if Valve wants to bring Alyx to the platform. The hand tracking is so much better on newer hardware.

[sprinterboy]

I'm sure psvr2 will be made with the new controller in unison.
They'll probably ask devs etc what they want and need to make there games with vr.
I'm hoping nxt gen all games will have proper tradition movement not just teleport movement like some games have.

[S2Killinit]

This

[Neonridr]

the majority of games offer free movement. At least on the PC side of things.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

PSVR2 on PS5 .. Mark my words 😁

[THC CELL]

Sony will of paid well for this to be next gen vr game

[CJLogix]

Just upgrade. I dunno how you guys are not getting motion sickness at the 900p resolution and 60 fps.

[ApocalypseShadow]

Plays fine. And 60 fps is reprojected to a higher frame rate and some games are 90fps. A small few at 120fps native. And Sony's OLED screen is still capable of competing.

Do I think it's good enough for what HL Alyx is doing? No. It should launch on PSVR 2 to keep the same quality in controls and PS4 wouldn't be able to handle the physics needed.

[Neonridr]

compared to the base Vive and Rift I would agree with you. But when you experience what you can get with the Index for example it's really hard to go back.

This is coming from a CV1, PSVR and most recently an Index owner.

[Sm00thNinja]

Astrobot was definitely the game that made me a true believer in VR TECH. This game looks like it'll push the medium even further. Hopefully a PSVR2 release sees the light of day

[StoneyYoshi]

They would be stupid not to release a new VR headset and they will. Im pretty sure Sony has confirmed that they are working on a new VR headset for the PS5.

[Sm00thNinja]

You misread my statement. A PSVR release as in a PSVR2 version of Half Life Alyx

[StoneyYoshi]

OK, I gotcha. My mistake, but i feel that it would be a good idea for them to do it maybe down the road maybe a year or so after the PSVR2 is out

[Sm00thNinja]

Really hoping PSVR2 is wireless that's all I ask

[NiteX]

I see it being on the PS5 VR. Probably won't make PS4.

[battlegrog]

I cant wait for VR through cloud gaming

[KwietStorm_BLM]

If I cared for VR, I definitely wouldn't get this one PS4. It won't look or run nearly that good. PS5 VR is a different story. But I'd just play on PC by then anyway.

[Magog]

A rising tide lifts all ships. If valve really wants to push VR they should release Alyx for the most popular VR platform (PSVR)

[Neonridr]

they are trying to push their own hardware first.

[Profchaos]

As much as I love my psvr it's pretty obvious that it has more technical limitations over pcvr which will severely hamper this game.

It may be possible to launch it on ps5 however but one of the highlights of the PC release appears to be finger tracking which won't happen until a new controller is released for the psvr along with better tracking

[windblowsagain]

Should have done a single player experience with next gen visuals for all. They've had long enough.

Fk Steam tbh.

[PSGuardian]

I do not understand these statements. The cost of a PC capable and the cost of the HMD itself are very high this alone places it out of the hands of most. Consoles offer affordable entry and fantastic value for the majority of people interested in gaming. PSVR is the extension of this business model and it works.

[Spikeantestor]

I could see them making it for PS5, maybe even as a launch game in 2021-2022 for a possible PSVR2.

I get the feeling that the head tracking and finger tracking are gonna make HLA probably something the PSVR (and maybe more specifically the moves) might have a hard time with.

[MadLad]

Buy a PC.
I bought a Pro to play Bloodborne, Last of Us, and a number of other titles. Buy a PC to play this.

This site is always screaming about the importance of exclusives.

[Doge]

Or calling people port beggars. But that’s not the case when they want it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[MadLad]

Facts.

[StoneyYoshi]

@ _SilverHawk_
I can agree to your statement with the controllers diminishing the game. But the only thing that the PSVR would diminish is the FOV and display quality. The rest of the concerns with graphics quality would only require the PS5 since the headset is just a display with lights and motion sensors built in. So basically if you have a PSVR 1 and you have a PS5 with Half Life Alyx then the game will still look and perform well. It just wont have as good of picture quality like the Valve Index. Im sure if you didn't want to upgrade to the PSVR 2 then you can still purchase whatever upgraded controllers that they happen to come out with in the future which would solve the controller concern everyone has.