BATTLE START Release 2.0: The Next Generation of Free-Roam VR
Next week marks a major milestone for BATTLE START and our entire partner network. Release 2.0 is arriving, and it brings together a collection of carefully crafted updates designed to elevate every aspect of the free-roam VR experience.
From engine performance to accessibility, from space optimization to player engagement — this release is the result of months of preparation, testing, and collaboration with our partners.
At the center of it all stands our most ambitious title to date: the linear narrative VR shooter Agents: Synthesis.
VR Shooter We Have All Been Waiting For
This is the VR game that has been on everyone's radar.
Agents: Synthesis is a full-fledged VR blockbuster, featuring a deep narrative, a richly developed universe, and a cast of characters that will keep players invested from the first mission to the last.
The game delivers a cinematic, story-driven journey that sets a new standard for what free-roam VR can offer. Players will step into the shoes of elite agents, uncover a gripping plot, and face challenges that require both skill and teamwork.
For arena owners, this means a powerful new attraction that appeals to both newcomers and veterans. We are on the final straight, and the excitement across the network is palpable.
A Major Leap in Engine Technology
Stability has always been the foundation of our platform. For the past four years, we’ve relied on Unity 2020—a version that has proven itself reliable through millions of hours of runtime across the globe. It has served our partners well, and never let them down.
But progress is essential, and we don’t adopt new technology lightly. We watched Unity 2024 closely as it was adopted by the industry. We didn’t rush to implement it based on promises; we waited.
We let others test it first, and then we tested it ourselves on our own VR arenas with actual players. Since the beginning of this year, we’ve run Unity 2024 in real-world conditions until we were certain it delivered measurable benefits.
Now we are rolling it out to our partners because we believe it is ready. This is the BATTLE START way: we never ask our partners to take risks we haven’t taken ourselves.
The results of this upgrade are immediately noticeable.
VR headsets run cooler during extended sessions, and battery life is significantly extended, which is a game-changer for outdoor events.
Frame rates are higher even on older devices, image clarity is sharper across the board, and the smoother experience means fewer players affected by motion sickness.
This is a better experience for every guest that walks onto the VR arena.
The Franchise at Your Fingertips
Staying connected to the BATTLE START ecosystem is now easier than ever. On the authorization screen, our partners will find the latest news from our franchise. This keeps everyone informed about new releases, updates, and events happening across the network.
Smarter Space Optimization
Space is a premium for any VR arena, and we are constantly working to help partners make the most of it. The new plan editor for the venue provides superior optimization capabilities, allowing VR club owners to fit a maximum of gameplay into a minimum footprint.
This is a key improvement that transforms how customers experience the play area. Even smaller venues will feel larger and more immersive, thanks to smarter map generation and better spatial management.
A New, Interactive Lobby
The player journey begins the moment they enter the VR space, and we have completely transformed that first impression. The new lobby is the first thing every player sees, and it’s packed with interactive details. It is designed to be an engaging entry point that excites guests and pulls them into the experience before their session even begins.
This update also introduces new cosmonaut skins that will be a fun reference to an upcoming winter release. The lobby is so engaging that players might need a gentle reminder that the real adventure waits just beyond it.
Finally, Full Support for Left-Handed Players
Accessibility is a core part of our vision, and in Release 2.0 we are beginning to adapt our free-roam VR games for left-handed players. According to global statistics, 10-15% of the population is left-handed, and for too long these players have had to adapt to a right-handed world . This update changes that.
In the first iteration, left-handed support will be introduced for BATTLE and TACTICS, and other titles will follow shortly after.
The system is designed to be effortless. When a player selects their character, the game automatically detects which controller they are using. If it’s the left one, the game assigns the main actions (aiming, shooting, and interacting) to that hand. If it’s the right one, it assigns them to the right. No extra settings, no manual adjustments required.
This gives players the freedom to choose which hand controls the primary actions and which handles additional abilities, removing frustration and allowing them to focus on enjoying the game.
Release 2.0 represents everything we value at BATTLE START: thoughtful improvements, genuine care for our partners, and a relentless focus on player experience.
Next week, it all becomes reality. We are proud of what we have built, and we sincerely hope you will appreciate the work that has gone into it.