Vivarium: Mixed Reality Terrarium Sim Coming to Meta Quest in 2024

Vivarium: Your Digital Oasis Awaits

Imagine crafting miniature ecosystems brimming with life, right in your own living room. This dream becomes reality with Vivarium, a captivating mixed-reality game that seamlessly blends terrarium design with the obligation of caring for virtual pets. Originally available exclusively on the Pico platform, Vivarium is poised to expand its reach to Meta Quest users, bringing its unique blend of creativity and wonder to a wider audience.

This exciting expansion coincides with a festive update scheduled for December 19, 2024, promising to sprinkle holiday cheer throughout Vivarium’s digital landscapes.Players can expect 17 new items, including a festively decorated Christmas tree and ornaments, adding a touch of holiday magic to their virtual terrariums.

“Additionally, on December 19, 2024, Vivarium will roll out a complimentary Christmas-themed update. This update will introduce 17 new items, such as a Christmas tree and festive ornaments. The game’s setting will be adorned in holiday decor,and a selection of Christmas carols will be integrated as background music,”

But Vivarium’s charm extends far beyond the festive season. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences, currently featuring seven distinct animal species, ranging from playful frogs and turtles to curious geckos, alongside a diverse collection of over 27 unique plant types.

With 46 decorative items at your disposal, think miniature trains, a miniature eiffel Tower, and countless other whimsical touches, the possibilities for customization are truly boundless. Vivarium isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s about nurturing a thriving ecosystem. Players embark on a journey of ecological design,selecting glass enclosures and meticulously crafting their virtual environments by filling them with substrates such as soil,pebbles,and moss.

These meticulously designed terrariums can be showcased in a virtual gallery or, thanks to the game’s innovative mixed-reality technology, seamlessly integrated with your physical surroundings. Imagine a miniature rainforest flourishing on your coffee table, or a tranquil desert scene taking root beside your home office.

Vivarium’s mission mode adds another layer of depth, presenting players with a series of tasks and rewards that encourage learning about and caring for their virtual ecosystems. From watering plants to feeding the animals, ensuring each terrarium thrives under your attentive care requires dedication and a touch of nurturing spirit.

Developed by DoubleMe, Vivarium is designed to be an engaging and immersive experience for players of all ages. It offers a unique possibility to explore the wonders of nature,appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems,and find solace in the simple act of nurturing life,all within the comfort of your own virtual oasis.

Living Ecosystems in VR: An Interview with Evan Chen, Lead Developer at DoubleMe

Vivarium is captivating the world of virtual reality gaming, allowing players to cultivate vibrant ecosystems within their own digital homes. We sat down with Evan Chen, the Lead Developer at DoubleMe, the studio behind Vivarium, to uncover the inspiration behind the game, its unique features, and its promising future.

From Inspiration to Immersion

Evan, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. What sparked the idea for Vivarium?

“We’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty and complexity of natural ecosystems,” Evan explained.“Building a virtual terrarium felt like a natural extension of that fascination, offering a way to share that wonder with a wider audience in an interactive and engaging way. Our goal was to create a game that was simultaneously relaxing, educational, and visually stunning.”

A World of Virtual Wonder

Vivarium boasts an extraordinary array of animals, plants, and decorative items. What goes into crafting this diverse virtual world?

“We draw inspiration from real-world ecosystems, striving to strike a balance between beauty and realism,” Evan shared. “We’ve collaborated with botanists and zoologists to ensure accuracy in animal behavior and plant needs. Choosing the decorative elements is where the real fun begins! We want to empower players to express their creativity and build terrariums that truly reflect their individual tastes.”

More Than Just Aesthetics

Vivarium transcends the realm of mere visual appeal.It incorporates engaging gameplay elements like mission modes and animal care. How does this add depth to the player experience?

“We envisioned Vivarium as more than just a pretty picture,” Evan emphasized.“The mission mode introduces players to the challenges and rewards of maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Caring for the animals—feeding them, providing suitable environments—adds a layer of responsibility that makes the experience more rewarding. It’s about fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of a habitat and learning about the specific needs of different species.”

The Festive Season in Vivarium

A new holiday update is on the horizon! Can you give us a sneak peek of what players can expect?

“Absolutely! This December, Vivarium will be decked out in festive cheer!” Evan revealed. “Players can anticipate delightful holiday decorations, new themed items like a Christmas tree and ornaments, and even some cheerful Christmas carols playing throughout the virtual world.”

Vivarium: A Breath of Fresh Air in the Virtual World

imagine a world where you can cultivate vibrant ecosystems, nurture adorable virtual pets, and watch lush plants thrive—all from the comfort of your own home. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality of Vivarium, a groundbreaking mixed and virtual reality hobby launching alongside the PICO 4 Ultra device.

Developed by StudioX at DoubleMe,Vivarium offers a captivating experience that bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms. “We’re always listening to player feedback and working on new ways to enhance the Vivarium experience,” shares a representative from DoubleMe. “We have exciting plans for future updates, including new animal species, plant varieties, decor items, and perhaps even some innovative features that take advantage of the mixed reality capabilities. Our goal is to continue expanding the world of Vivarium and keep players engaged for years to come.”

This innovative game allows you to unleash your inner botanist,zoologist,and interior designer,crafting personalized habitats that reflect your unique style and preferences. From lush tropical rainforests to serene underwater coral reefs, the possibilities are truly endless.

Vivarium’s intuitive design and stunning visuals make it accessible to both seasoned VR enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you seek a relaxing escape or a creative outlet, Vivarium promises to transport you to a world of wonder and possibility.

Ready to explore the vibrant world of Vivarium? Keep an eye out for its release on the PICO 4 Ultra, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and imagination.

How do the mission modes in vivarium teach players about balanced ecosystems?

Living Ecosystems in VR: An Interview with Evan Chen, Lead Developer at DoubleMe

vivarium is captivating the world of virtual reality gaming, allowing players to cultivate vibrant ecosystems within their own digital homes. We sat down with Evan Chen,the Lead Developer at DoubleMe,the studio behind Vivarium,to uncover the inspiration behind the game,its unique features,and its promising future.

From Inspiration to Immersion

Evan, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. What sparked the idea for Vivarium?

“We’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty and complexity of natural ecosystems,” Evan explained.“Building a virtual terrarium felt like a natural extension of that interest,offering a way to share that wonder with a wider audience in an interactive and engaging way.Our goal was to create a game that was simultaneously relaxing, educational, and visually stunning.”

A World of Virtual Wonder

Vivarium boasts an extraordinary array of animals, plants, and decorative items. What goes into crafting this diverse virtual world?

“We draw inspiration from real-world ecosystems, striving to strike a balance between beauty and realism,” Evan shared. “We’ve collaborated with botanists and zoologists to ensure accuracy in animal behavior and plant needs. Choosing the decorative elements is where the real fun begins! We want to empower players to express their creativity and build terrariums that truly reflect their individual tastes.”

more Than Just Aesthetics

Vivarium transcends the realm of mere visual appeal.It incorporates engaging gameplay elements like mission modes and animal care. How does this add depth to the player experience?

“We envisioned Vivarium as more than just a pretty picture,” Evan emphasized.“The mission mode introduces players to the challenges and rewards of maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Caring for the animals—feeding them, providing suitable environments—adds a layer of obligation that makes the experience more rewarding. It’s about fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness of a habitat and learning about the specific needs of different species.”

The Festive Season in Vivarium

A new holiday update is on the horizon! Can you give us a sneak peek of what players can expect?

“Absolutely! This december, Vivarium will be decked out in festive cheer!” Evan revealed.“Players can anticipate delightful holiday decorations, new themed items like a Christmas tree and ornaments, and even some cheerful Christmas carols playing throughout the virtual world.”