Rec Room, a social VR platform teeming with first-party adventures, is always inviting you and your friends—or even random players—to dive into its world. Their latest big hit is ‘Run the Block,’ a game that draws clear inspiration from the beloved Dreamcast classic, Jet Set Radio, which originally graced us way back in 2000.
Making its debut on December 11th, ‘Run the Block’ quickly captivated over a million gamers. Much like Jet Set Radio, this free mini-game throws you into the mix with up to nine other players in a vibrant, urban environment. Your mission? Show off your best racing and parkour skills as you navigate the sprawling city.
While ‘Run the Block’ may not feature the iconic aggressive rollerblades that became a hallmark of its 2000s predecessor, it certainly makes up for it with the excitement of sprinting, jumping, and grinding along massive rail lines that snake across the map. Plus, the fun doesn’t stop there—you can make your mark by tagging the graffiti-filled streets with your own designs.
Compared to previous years, Rec Room has streamlined its release schedule for first-party games over the past 12 months. The platform’s standout newcomer before this was the pet farming simulator, ‘My Little Monster.’ Alongside these engaging releases, Rec Room has also focused on integrating branded content. We’re talking avatar packs from the ‘Monster High’ brand and even elements from Bungie’s popular first-person shooter, Destiny.
What’s more, this year, Rec Room has put significant effort into enhancing its creator suite. Users can now dream up their own intricate worlds, craft unique assets, and participate in the in-game creator economy. Earlier in the year, full-body avatars were introduced, giving users even more ways to personalize their virtual selves.
The expansion doesn’t stop there. In November, Rec Room became available on the Nintendo Switch, joining its extensive list of supported platforms like PC VR, every Oculus Quest model, the classic PSVR, iOS, Android, Pico, Xbox, and PlayStation. With such a wide reach, Rec Room continues to redefine social gaming, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their device.