Sony has announced the closure of Firewall Ultra, one of its two exclusive PlayStation VR2 titles. Released in August 2023, this game marked a significant launch shortly after the debut of the PlayStation VR2 headset for PS5. Rather than issuing a formal announcement, Sony updated an existing blog post from August 22, 2023, which originally celebrated the game’s launch.
Game Shutdown Details
The updated post reveals that the online features for Firewall Ultra will cease on September 17, 2026. As the game requires a constant internet connection to play, this means it will no longer be accessible past that date.
Impact on PlayStation VR2 Exclusives
Firewall Ultra was one of just two first-party exclusives created for the PlayStation VR2, alongside the launch title Horizon Call of the Mountain. While Sony published Firewall Ultra, the game was developed by First Contact Entertainment, known for its earlier title, Firewall: Zero Hour, on the original PlayStation VR.
Developer’s Challenges
First Contact Entertainment announced its closure in January 2024, citing a lack of industry support for virtual reality. This situation has hindered their ability to sustain operations as a AAA VR game developer.
Other VR Developments
In addition to Firewall Ultra, Sony has released a VR update for Gran Turismo 7 and a free educational game named Climate Station. However, the library for PlayStation VR2 has largely consisted of third-party titles and updates, with minimal first-party offerings.
- Game Title: Firewall Ultra
- Release Date: August 2023
- Shutdown Date: September 17, 2026
- Developer: First Contact Entertainment
- Other Exclusive: Horizon Call of the Mountain
As the VR gaming market continues to evolve, the future of exclusive titles on platforms like PlayStation VR2 remains uncertain. With developers facing challenges, players may need to stay informed about upcoming developments in the VR landscape.
