For many, Sensible Soccer is a tent pole entry into the sports genre. This month, it’s been confirmed that its spiritual successor will be getting VR support.
The game’s developer confirmed as much in a recent Facebook post, which was complete with the image included below. VR support will be included with the game when it’s launched early next year, though it’s not clear what platforms the title will support. That said, the game is coming to virtually every VR-supported platform, including PlayStation 4, PC and mobile, so there’s every chance headsets like PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Gear VR will be integrated. We’re not quite sure what the headset in the picture is.
Sociable Soccer aims to take on the current titans of the soccer genre like EA’s FIFA series. Matches play out from an overhead view much like they did with the original Sensible Soccer series. The VR option won’t offer you the chance to step into the shoes of players, rather give you a god-like view of matches in which you can lean down into a pitch, inspect players up close and get the best angles on goals. Think of it as a sort of personalized camera that you have complete control of during a match.
The game’s developer will be showcasing the VR support today and tomorrow at the Develop: Brighton conference in the UK city.
Sociable Soccer began life last year as a Kickstarter project. Developer Jon Hare was asking for £300,000 ($392,580), though eventually cancelled the campaign with the intention of continuing on all the same. Development seems to be progressing well despite that twist, which is a good thing considering the game has to live up to the legacy of the Sensible Soccer name. That series started all the way back in 1992 with Sensible Soccer: European Champions on Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS, and became known for its fast, fun gameplay.
As it stands, this looks like the first full soccer game to get VR support, and the first example of a sports game that retains its traditional camera when played with a headset. Surely others will soon follow suit.
