Meta Cancels System Shock 2 VR and Numerous Other Projects

Meta has put the brakes on the System Shock 2 VR project, along with several other ventures, according to the head of the remaster studio. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as the development might be rekindled down the road.

Marking a major milestone, the 25th anniversary remaster of the beloved 1999 action RPG is poised for a June release across multiple platforms including Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. But, in a recent post on Bluesky, Stephen Kick, who leads the studio behind this remaster, revealed that the VR edition “for Oculus” has been shelved.

The post reads, “Originally, we were working on a VR version for Oculus, but Facebook decided to cancel many initiatives, unfortunately, SS2VR among them. We’ve tossed around the idea of picking it up again, potentially as a future patch or as a standalone release. A lot depends on how the 25th Anniversary remaster is embraced by the audience!” – Stephen Kick (@pripyatbeast.bsky.social), February 26, 2025.

The buzz around a VR rendition of System Shock 2 first started circulating in 2021, promising a fully immersive experience with full co-op multiplayer support, including cross-play compatibility with PC. Yet by 2022, it took a backseat in terms of studio priorities, eventually leading to its axing.

What remains unclear from Kick’s update is whether the “Oculus” VR project was targeted for PC VR systems like the Oculus Rift/Quest Link or intended as a standalone Quest release. We’ve reached out for clarification on this matter and have also contacted Meta for any additional insights they might offer.

Kick does hint at the possibility of revisiting development, stating that if they go down that path, it could emerge either as an update or a distinct title. “A lot hinges on the reception of the 25th Anniversary remaster!” he points out, indicating that its success could pave the way for a revival of the VR initiative.