Ramen VR Develops Zenith: The Last City, a Revolutionary MMO-VR Experience

Developing a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game is a complex task, especially when it involves virtual reality (VR) technology. Ramen VR's Zenith: The Last City is a prime example of this, as it combines the elements of an MMO with the immersive experience of VR. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Lauren Frazier, the studio's chief technical officer and co-founder, shared her insights on how the team overcame the technical and logistical hurdles to bring this innovative game to life. Frazier explained that the idea for Zenith was born out of her shared passion for anime with studio co-founder and CEO Andy Tsen. Their goal was to create a game that would allow players to experience the thrill of an MMO in a VR environment. With their previous experience in the VR gaming space, they were determined to push the boundaries of what was possible. One of the significant challenges the team faced was convincing investors that their concept was viable. Frazier noted that VR and MMOs are both high-risk endeavors, and combining them made it even more daunting. However, the team persevered and eventually secured $35 million in funding to support their vision. Zenith is now available on multiple platforms, including Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR2, and SteamVR. Frazier highlighted that launching the game across these platforms presented unique challenges, particularly with regards to meeting the stricter approval requirements of Oculus and Sony. The team had to ensure that the game met the necessary standards for frame rates, bug tolerance, and overall quality. Despite these challenges, Frazier expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, particularly in creating a seamless gaming experience that allows players to interact with each other and the environment in a highly immersive way. The game features global voice chat, private chat options, and a dynamic graphical fidelity that adapts to different platforms. Frazier also emphasized the importance of community engagement and feedback in shaping the game's development. The team conducts regular community surveys, player-controlled tests, and beta testing to ensure that the game meets the players' expectations. This collaborative approach has helped the team fine-tune the game's balance, including the difficulty level of the world boss, a giant tree monster. As a CTO, Frazier wears multiple hats, but she emphasized that her role is more akin to that of a sports team coach, focusing on guiding the team and ensuring that the company runs smoothly. She debunked the common misconception that a CTO is the best engineer on the team, stating that her primary responsibility is to facilitate the work of the engineers and other team members. In conclusion, Ramen VR's Zenith: The Last City is a trailblazing game that has successfully merged the worlds of MMOs and VR. Through Frazier's leadership and the team's dedication, the game has overcome numerous challenges to become a launch title for the PSVR2, offering a unique and engaging experience for players across multiple platforms.