Conceived by CCP Games, Eve Online is one of the most commonly played massively multiplayer online role-playing games in the world. It’s so popular, in fact, that Facebook is opting to make its forthcoming dogfighting shooter spin-off, Eve: Valkyrie, the flagship title for Oculus Rift — potentially the Wii Sports of VR, the be-all and end-all proof of concept for simulating virtual worlds. Oculus Rift pre-order will come with a free copy of the game.
“EVE: Valkyrie is one of the most anticipated virtual reality games, and one of the first true VR games to go into development,” said Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey. “It perfectly captures the promise of immersive gaming, shooting you into a sci-fi adventure as you pilot a spaceship in search of combat. Battling your friends (and enemies) in multiplayer space dogfights is the ultimate VR thrill, and we’re excited to partner with CCP to bring this experience to Rift owners everywhere.”
This news comes a day after a fan asked Luckey on Twitter for more details on Oculus Rift pre-orders, to which Luckey suggested they ask for a raincheck.
@PalmerLuckey Will Rift preorders be open before christmas? I’d like to know if I should ask for one or wait for now. Thanks for all you do!
— Legend Begins (@Tech_Demo) December 8, 2015
@Tech_Demo Ask for a raincheck! Can’t say when they will open just yet. — Palmer Luckey (@PalmerLuckey) December 8, 2015
After reaching out to them for comment, the response from one of Facebook’s outsourced PR reps was similar. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any further details on dates,” she told me. “Sorry about that!”
While it isn’t clear when you’ll be able to pre-buy the Rift, you could simply wait and purchase it upfront when it releases in the first quarter of 2016. Unfortunately, you’d be missing out on that sweet, sweet space shooter bonus.