In December, PSVR 2 enthusiasts received an exciting update: the addition of hand-tracking support. This advancement allows developers to enhance their games using the headset’s built-in tracking cameras, eliminating the need for controllers. One of the most captivating experiences this offers is the ability to cast spells with just your hands.
COVEN and ALBYON studios have now rolled out the eagerly anticipated hand-tracking update for the 2024 title, Masters of Light. Players can now unleash beams of light, summon protective barriers, and manipulate energy to face off against formidable cosmic foes.
In a PlayStation blog post, game director and COVEN co-founder Celine Tricart explains that the new feature makes each flick and gesture an opportunity for real-time magic casting, adding a remarkable layer of immersion and excitement to the game’s combat.
While this update now aligns the PSVR 2 version with the Quest edition, which has been available since last May, the process was far from straightforward. Tricart describes the integration as an "incredible challenge, but also a realization of our aspirations."
The successful incorporation of hand-tracking into the PSVR 2 version of Masters of Light was thanks to VR Monkey. Known for working on various game ports like Into the Radius and Synth Riders, the team put their expertise to use once more. It took them about two and a half months to complete, primarily due to Unity’s current lack of native hand-tracking support for PSVR 2. This prompted the development of a custom plugin, which explains why there are still few hand-tracked games available on the platform.
Aside from Masters of Light, only Waltz of the Wizard, developed by Aldin Dynamics, features hand-tracking on the PSVR 2. It became the first title to incorporate this feature in February. The gaming community remains eager to see if more studios will adopt this technology.
For now, players can grab Masters of Light from the PlayStation Store for $20. It’s also available for Quest 2 users in the Horizon Store and is slated to appear on Steam soon for PC VR headsets, where it’s currently open for wishlisting.
