Tate Mossessian, a veteran in immersive game development, has taken his expertise to new heights with Alien: Rogue Incursion, a groundbreaking addition to the Alien franchise. Known for his work in creating deeply engaging experiences, Mossessian is now spearheading the first VR-exclusive title in the Alien universe. By focusing on immersion and authenticity, he aims to deliver a game that both terrifies and captivates players in equal measure.
A Standalone Adventure Built From the Ground Up
Alien: Rogue Incursion is not a sequel or spin-off but a completely standalone entry in the Alien universe. Mossessian explained its unique position in the franchise:
“It’s its own standalone game. First in this series, first game that we’ve worked on. There have been other Alien games, of course, but this is the first one specifically designed for VR.”
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From the intricacies of weapon mechanics to the eerily realistic sound design, Rogue Incursion capitalizes on the immersive power of VR to create a truly unique survival horror adventure. This design philosophy ensures the game stands apart as an innovative leap forward, drawing players into the Alien universe like never before. It’s not just a game—it’s a fully realized VR experience.
A Masterclass in Balancing Horror and Action
The Alien franchise has long walked a fine line between terrifying horror and explosive action, and Alien: Rogue Incursion is no exception. Mossessian described how the game balances these elements to keep players on edge:
“We are an action game at our core, but it’s not just an endless wave of xenomorphs blindly coming at you. These xenomorphs are smart. They respond to sound in the world. If you make noise, like kicking a bucket or dropping a weapon, they hear you. You’ll start hearing them in the walls or ceilings. It’s survival, juxtaposed with explosive action.”
By allowing players to determine their approach, Rogue Incursion caters to a wide range of playstyles. Novices might lean into the survival horror aspects, stealthily navigating the game’s claustrophobic environments. More experienced players, on the other hand, might embrace the action-heavy combat, turning each encounter into a thrilling battle. This dynamic approach ensures that every player finds their own way to survive—or succumb to—the relentless xenomorph threat.
Immersion Enhanced Through Technology
VR gaming is all about immersion, and Alien: Rogue Incursion leverages cutting-edge technology to bring its world to life. From tactile feedback to atmospheric soundscapes, every element was designed to deepen the player’s connection to the game. Mossessian detailed the role of haptics in creating this immersive experience:
“The tactile experience is all communicated through the controllers. You’re getting haptics from the weapons, interactions, and everything around you. The PlayStation VR2 has some impressive features for that.”
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These haptics enhance everything from firing a pulse rifle to feeling the vibrations of nearby danger. Combined with VR’s visual and auditory fidelity, these features make players feel truly present in the Alien universe. It’s an experience that blurs the line between gaming and reality, heightening both the terror and the thrill.
Staying True to the Franchise
Mossessian’s commitment to authenticity shines through in Alien: Rogue Incursion, which remains faithful to the Alien franchise’s iconic aesthetic and narrative. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this connection to the canon:
“Yes, it’s based in the canon, set between the first two films. You’ll even see some familiar characters.”
The game’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond the story to its visual and atmospheric design. Mossessian spoke about how the team made the deliberate decision to use only existing xenomorphs, ensuring the game feels like a natural extension of the Alien films. For longtime fans, Rogue Incursion will feel like coming home—albeit to a home infested with xenomorphs.
A Thrilling Vision Realized
For Mossessian, Alien: Rogue Incursion represents the culmination of his passion for immersive storytelling and the Alien franchise. His goal was clear from the start:
“I hope they don’t want to take it off. If we don’t scare the hell out of them, we haven’t done our job. If they have to take the headset off because they’re too scared but put it back on because they want more—that’s what we’re aiming for.”
This philosophy underscores what makes Rogue Incursion so exciting. It’s not just about delivering a game—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that stays with players long after they’ve faced their last xenomorph. Mossessian’s vision ensures that Alien: Rogue Incursion isn’t just another title in the franchise; it’s a milestone for VR gaming. With its commitment to immersion, authenticity, and storytelling, Alien: Rogue Incursion is poised to set a new standard in survival horror gaming.
About Alien: Rogue Incursion
Release Date: Dec 19, 2024
Developer: Survios
Publisher: Survios
Engine: Unreal
Genres: Shooter, Horror, Action
Platforms: PSVR2, Steam VR, Metaquest 3 (Early 2025)
Synopsis
Alien: Rogue Incursion is a brand-new single-player action-horror VR game that immerses players in the world of Alien. The game stars Zula Hendricks, an unbreakable ex-Colonial Marine, on a dangerous mission that brings her to the uncharted planet Purdan, and the secrets hiding beneath its surface. With her sentient AI companion, Davis 01, Zula must fight her way to the heart of the infested Gemini Exoplanet Solutions research facility. There she will need to survive deadly attacks from the most cunning Xenomorphs ever encountered and discover new horrors and threats that once unleashed could spell the end for humankind.
Are you ready to step into the Alien universe like never before? Will you cling to the shadows and outwit the xenomorphs, or face them head-on as an action hero? Which iconic elements of the Alien universe are you most excited to encounter? Share your thoughts with us on social media and get ready for the ultimate test of courage in VR.
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