Do you remember when Meta, previously known as Facebook, planned to transform the internet into a three-dimensional experience? They aimed to recreate it in virtual reality, calling it the metaverse? Ah, those were the days. Recently, the social media giant has diminished its VR aspirations, making news that the VR remake of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, announced three years ago, appears to be another casualty of this shift.
As first reported by IGN, The Oculus 2 adaptation of the fifth entry in the immensely popular open-world series has been postponed indefinitely, possibly permanently. Fans have consistently inquired about the project’s status, even commenting on trailers for other Oculus titles like Monster, a fantasy action-adventure game featuring giant monsters.
“GTA: San Andreas is on hold indefinitely while we focus on other projects,” the Meta Quest VR YouTube account mentioned in the comments of a Béhémoth pre-order trailer on August 15. “We look forward to collaborating with our friends at Rockstar in the future.” A Meta representative confirmed this change in a statement to IGN.
The VR remake of GTA: San Andreas was initially announced during Meta’s Facebook Connect 2021 keynote, showcasing Oculus games. “This new interpretation of what I consider to be one of the best games ever made will provide players with an entirely new way to explore this iconic open world in virtual reality,” CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained at that time.
Screenshot: YouTube / Kotaku
Fans of GTA have continuously sought updates about the VR version, even as they wait for news on Grand Theft Auto 6. Nevertheless, in 2024, Meta curtailed its metaverse ambitions, withdrawing funding from a VR division that had been losing billions of dollars each month with limited results, only producing a few new headsets and occasional promotional material.
Despite having remarkable and critically acclaimed games. Instead, like many companies, Meta has shifted its focus towards the burgeoning field of generative AI, where significant fortunes are both being created and destroyed. “Get a new perspective on Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas as you engage with (again or for the first time) one of gaming’s most iconic open worlds,” Meta stated in its original announcement. “This is a project that has taken years to develop, and we cannot wait to share more with you.”
GTA: San Andreas
This now seems like a project that has remained unrealized for many years. I suppose this indicates there will not be a VR version of GTA 6 either.
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Meta’s Ambitious Plans for GTA: San Andreas in VR — A Look Back
Remember when Meta, formerly known as Facebook, announced it was going to transform the internet into a three-dimensional experience? The company aimed to recreate it in virtual reality under the name of the “metaverse.” Those days seem to be fading, particularly as recent developments suggest a significant shift in focus from their VR ambitions. One of the notable casualties of this pivot is the highly anticipated VR remake of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which was initially announced three years ago but has since vanished from the radar.
The Announcement and Subsequent Silence
Initially revealed during the Facebook Connect 2021 keynote, Meta expressed grand ambitions for the iconic GTA: San Andreas. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the project’s potential, stating, “This new take on what I consider to be one of the best games ever made will give players a whole new way to experience this iconic open world in virtual reality.” However, as excitement grew among fans, updates on the project dwindled. The latest reports indicate that the VR remake is on hold indefinitely, with Meta focusing efforts on other initiatives.
Oculus 2 and the Delay
According to a report by IGN, the Oculus 2 port of this beloved game has been delayed indefinitely. Fans have repeatedly requested updates through the YouTube comments of other Oculus titles, expressing their longing for news on the project. The Meta Quest VR YouTube account confirmed this delay, stating, “GTA: San Andreas is on hold indefinitely while we both focus on other projects.” This shift in priority signals a dramatic change in Meta’s strategic direction.
Shifting Focus: From VR to AI
As of early 2024, Meta appears to be stepping back from its metaverse ambitions amid ongoing financial challenges. Reports suggest the company is redirecting resources away from its VR division, which has been incurring losses of up to a billion dollars monthly. Rather than furthering VR developments, Meta has now turned its attention toward the burgeoning field of generative AI, where many companies are recognizing new revenue opportunities. This pivot raises questions about the future of VR projects, including the once-promising GTA: San Andreas remake.
The Impact on Fans and the Gaming Community
The news of the indefinite hold on the GTA: San Andreas VR project has not gone unnoticed, especially by a community of dedicated fans known for their passion and engagement. As they anxiously await information regarding the highly anticipated GTA 6, the lack of updates on the VR remake has left them feeling frustrated and abandoned. Many view this as a missed opportunity to reinvigorate the GTA series through innovative VR technology.
Comparative Analysis: Meta vs. Competitors
| Company | Focus Area | Investment Strategy | Major Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta | Metaverse / VR | Scaling Back | GTA: San Andreas VR (on hold) |
| Valve | VR Gaming | Continuing Development | Half-Life: Alyx |
| Sony | Console VR | Expansion | PSVR Games |
As seen in the table, while Meta is moving away from its initial VR plans, competitors like Valve and Sony are investing in their VR and gaming strategies. This evolution begs the question: what will be the long-term impact on the VR landscape that was once envisioned as a robust and immersive environment by Meta?
Fans’ Reactions and Speculations
The fan community’s reaction to the news has been mixed, with many expressing disappointment over the indefinite hold on what could have been a groundbreaking VR experience for the GTA series. Social media platforms are buzzing with speculation regarding changes, with fans hoping that Meta might eventually revive the project or explore similar opportunities with future titles. YouTube reactions and forum discussions echo a common theme: the yearning for innovative experiences that bring beloved franchises into the VR fold.
Future of Virtual Reality in Gaming
While the indefinite pause on GTA: San Andreas VR raises concerns about VR’s future in mainstream gaming, many industry analysts believe that there’s still significant potential for immersive experiences. As technology advances and new developments emerge, there may still be opportunities for franchises to explore VR in ways that resonate with gamers. Companies still actively investing in VR are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of virtual reality gaming as we progress through the coming years.
In light of these developments, the future of the San Andreas VR project appears uncertain. While Meta shifts its focus toward AI advancements and strategizes its business model, VR enthusiasts remain hopeful that one day they will be able to step back into Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas in a whole new way.
