New Mode in ‘Gorilla Tag’ and $2.6M Investment in ‘Digigods’ Highlight the Growing Importance of UGC in Social VR

The virtual reality landscape is evolving rapidly, and among its success stories, “Gorilla Tag” stands out. This popular VR experience is enhancing its gameplay with a new, permanent feature called ‘Monke Blocks,’ which lets players create and explore custom levels with friends. Meanwhile, a fresh player in the VR scene, the team behind the game “Digigods,” has just received a hefty $2.6 million in investment, underscoring the importance of user-generated content (UGC) in today’s social VR successes.

In the realm of social VR games like VRChat, Rec Room, Roblox, and Horizon Worlds, the power of UGC is a common unifying factor that’s driving them forward. It’s the classic case of “those who build together, play together,” and it’s proving highly effective.

At first glance, “Gorilla Tag” might seem like just another multiplayer VR game. However, its fluid multiplayer setup, allowing players to hop seamlessly between different lobbies, and its open-ended gameplay style have turned it into a beloved social hub. The introduction of the ‘Monke Blocks’ feature takes this social aspect to the next level, permitting players to design and then dive into their own creative worlds.

What makes this feature particularly engaging is its block-based system, where groups can connect pieces to fabricate new environments. While some players work on these creations, others can shrink themselves down and explore the freshly built scenarios—mirroring the standard gameplay in “Gorilla Tag.”

As for the business side, there’s a smart monetization strategy at play. Users can buy themed block sets to enhance their creative spaces, using Gorilla Tag’s premium currency, ‘Shiny Rocks.’ The first available set, boasting a medieval castle theme, will be available for 6,000 SR, approximately $30.

The growing trend of ‘build and play’ structures in social VR, or UGC, is not just a buzzword; it’s becoming integral to successful game design strategies. The brain behind “Gorilla Tag,” Another Axiom, is also set to introduce a new game, “Orion Drift,” which will tap into the playground-style freedom that players can customize. This approach will let users create unique mini-games and develop their own rules.

As noted earlier this year, the UGC-centric game “Yeeps” had hit 360,000 monthly active users—a testament to the rising popularity of user-empowered content. Meanwhile, “Digigods” has quickly made its mark since its April 2024 launch, garnering $3 million from distinguished investors like Triptyq Capital and others. With over 100,000 players and a high review score averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars, the game is poised for growth, even while still in Early Access.

What really sets apart successful social VR games is not just the UGC element but also the unique locomotion styles they offer. While older VR games like Rec Room and VRChat rely on traditional movement methods, newer titles like “Orion Drift,” “Yeeps,” and “Digigods” are adapting the arm-based movement style that “Gorilla Tag” made famous. This innovation demarcates old-school VR experiences from the new wave.

Moreover, there seems to be a shift in demographics tied to this development. The genres employing arm-based locomotion are appealing more to Gen Z, contrasting with older generations typically drawn to thumbstick or teleportation movement systems.

Ultimately, as VR continues to grow, games that embrace and expand upon UGC will likely drive the next wave of innovation and community-building in this dynamic industry.