A new MudRunner VR content update is live on Quest, and we interviewed the producer to learn more about this recent adaptation.
Following May’s launch, off-roading vehicle sim MudRunner VR from Saber Interactive is introducing several changes. Most notable are the retro arcade racing machine that can be played in the hub of the game, as well as the interactive headlight switch in the cabin.
MudRunner VR’s update also introduces several new quality-of-life changes. There are now more fuel cans on mission maps and crouching profiles that allow you to adjust the crouching speed. UploadVR conducted an interview with Andrey Vasiliev, MudRunner VR’s producer. While Saber Interactive wouldn’t comment about a potential SnowRunner VR port, here’s our full email-based Q&A.
UploadVR: First of all, thanks for taking my questions today. How would you rate the overall reception of MudRunner VR on Quest? It has been more than two months since it launched.
Vasilyev:
I would like to thank everyone who has already played MudRunner VR! Our game received a fantastic response. It’s exciting to hear how the players react and discuss our game. We’ve already begun working to fix some of the problems that were highlighted immediately. It’s incredibly exciting to see players posting videos and sharing their impressions of the game every day.UploadVR:
MudRunner was first released back in 2017 and seven years on, it’s come to VR. How did this idea get off the ground and was VR always part of the plan? Vasilyev:
The idea arose spontaneously in 2021. It wasn’t immediately clear to us how we would bring the MudRunner experience into VR. We spent considerable time thinking through this before we started the project. We were unsure how we would bring the original MudRunner experience to VR, and it was also our first VR-related project. Seeing where we are now, we’re thrilled that we brought MudRunner to virtual reality.UploadVR: How closely does MudRunner VR match the original “flatscreen” version? I know this was previously described as a new adventure specifically for Quest.
Vasilyev:
We made a concerted effort to stay true to the original version. Each step was carefully thought out and we paid attention to each detail. The positive feedback we’ve received from fans, particularly those who played the original game, confirms that our efforts have been successful. The new MudRunner offers players a completely different experience. Highly immersive gameplay, detailed cockpits, the ability to manually interact with the winch and off-car refueling, beautiful scenery, a story campaign and a variety of free-play missions – it’s a completely new experience, but in the spirit of the original MudRunner.UploadVR:
What design challenges did you face when adapting a flatscreen game’s concept for VR? Vasilyev:
The hardest part was porting the game’s interface. The most difficult part was porting the interface. This would ruin the virtual reality experience. The dashboard has all the information you need about your car. We also have a tablet on it with a navigation system. You can use it, for example, to make marks on the map, or to repair your vehicle.UploadVR:
This will mark the first major post-launch update since MudRunner VR arrived, what will you be introducing with this? Vasilyev:
We follow the feedback from our players very closely, especially as we watch streams and read comments. The update includes a variety of features and changes, such as more fuel canisters and the ability to change the crouching rate in settings. We also have opened up the windows for the drivers side so they can see outside when tackling the difficult terrain. The MudRunner arcade will be located in the game hub where you choose your mission. To play it, all you have to do is turn around in the main hub, point the controller at the machine, and pull the trigger.UploadVR:
Will the American Wilds expansion or the other DLC content ever reach the VR edition?
Vasilyev: There are no current plans for this.
UploadVR:Are any further updates planned beyond this one?
Vasilyev: One of the main requests from our players was a locomotion mode, which is one of the team’s key focuses in development. The vehicles had to be re-worked and the movement system re-designed. Stay tuned and follow our Saber channels for more to come! Stay tuned and follow our Saber channels for more to come!
UploadVR:Will we ever see MudRunner VR on other platforms like Steam, PlayStation VR2, or Pico?
Vasilyev: Never say never!
UploadVR:Are there any messages that you’d like to share with UploadVR’s readers?
Vasilyev: We would like to thank all our players for such a warm reception and for checking out the game. Your feedback is important to us. We will continue to improve the game and make it better. We’re very proud of our game and look forward to continuing to grow our VR community.
MudRunner VR is available now on the platform.