VirtualGo is developing a system that allows remote players to join a host’s mixed reality (MR) game by projecting their presence into a VR representation of the host’s scanned home. According to VirtualGo CEO David Montecalvo, this technology uses Lasertag’s continuous scene meshing to facilitate shared-space co-op, bypassing the limitations of standard room-scanning systems. The developer plans to implement this multiplayer functionality across its titles, including Hauntify, Mission Rift, and FPS Enhanced Reality, by 2027.
How Remote Shared-Space Co-op Works in MR
The core of this technology lies in its ability to transform real-world objects into interactive in-game assets. Unlike previous MR experiences where players remained isolated in their own physical environments, VirtualGo’s system allows remote users to enter a host’s scanned play space in real-time. According to Montecalvo, the latency for these remote participants is negligible, effectively allowing for a shared social experience despite the participants being in different physical locations.
This approach differs from current industry standards like Espire: MR Missions or Drop Dead: The Cabin: Home Invasion, which utilize scene understanding. By utilizing Lasertag’s continuous scene meshing, VirtualGo avoids the technical friction often associated with Meta’s native room-scanning tools, providing a more fluid integration of virtual elements into the user’s living room.
While “co-location”—the XR version of couch co-op—already exists in titles like Demeo and Spatial Ops, it requires every player to be in the same physical room. VirtualGo’s new system aims to remove this geographical requirement, potentially increasing the accessibility of social MR gaming.
Bridging the Gap Between VR and MR
Industry observers, including David Heaney, have noted that XR technology is currently in its early stages. While virtual reality has successfully fostered social hubs like VRChat and Gorilla Tag, mixed reality has struggled to match this sense of shared presence. Historically, MR experiences have been limited to individual play spaces, where each user sees only their own room-generated assets.
VirtualGo’s shift toward shared-space co-op aims to treat MR as a collaborative environment rather than a solitary one. Montecalvo confirmed that this technology is not restricted to the horror or shooter genres currently associated with the studio’s portfolio. The system is designed to be genre-agnostic, with potential applications in RPGs and “cozy” social games.
Future Roadmap for VirtualGo Titles
The integration of this multiplayer system is currently slated for a 2027 rollout. All three of VirtualGo’s primary projects—Hauntify, Mission Rift, and FPS Enhanced Reality—are currently available on Meta Quest hardware. For users interested in testing the current state of these titles, the company provided a promotional code, AWE2026-878AEE, offering a 25% discount on these games following the Augmented World Expo (AWE).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this system require players to be in the same room? No. The system is designed to allow remote players to join the host’s scanned environment virtually.
- What games will support this feature? VirtualGo plans to update Hauntify, Mission Rift, and FPS Enhanced Reality with this technology by 2027.
- Is this technology limited to shooter games? No, according to David Montecalvo, the system is intended to translate across various genres, including RPGs and cozy games.
If you are experimenting with room-scale MR, ensure your play space is well-lit and clear of clutter to allow the continuous scene meshing to scan your environment accurately.
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