Meta Unveils Avalanche: The Future of VR Cloud Streaming

Understanding Meta’s Avalanche in VR Cloud Streaming

Meta has officially launched its much-anticipated Avalanche system for VR cloud streaming, now available for wishlisting on Quest’s Horizon Store. Although users currently cannot download or purchase the Avalanche app, the store page hints at a release date of July 24, 2024. This date likely reflects when the app was added to the store rather than its public availability.

Exploring Avalanche Features

The store’s description encourages users to “Download to test out the latest cloud streamed titles on Avalanche.” Featured visuals showcase popular games like Lone Echo, a hit Oculus Rift game from 2017 that has not yet made its debut on Quest, along with Beat Saber and the Unreal Engine’s City Sample. However, it’s crucial to note that there are no solid indicators of an imminent launch for Avalanche, indicating it may still be under testing.

The Development Journey of Avalanche

The journey of the Avalanche project began in April 2022, when firmware dataminer Samulia found a flag named AVALANCHE_CLOUD_GAMING_INFRA_ENABLED within Quest’s version 24, released in late 2020. This suggests that development for Avalanche has been ongoing for over four years.

About a month after this revelation, a Reddit user posted a screenshot showing an option to “Enable Avalanche (Alpha)” within their Quest 2 settings. They reported a brief connection to the PC version of Oculus Home. YouTuber Brad Lynch backed up their claim, revealing that the individual was able to access a remote session of Asgard’s Wrath, another notable Rift title from 2019 that has not yet been made available on Quest.

Current Stages of Testing Avalanche

Fast forward to a live streaming event held four months ago, the “Activate Avalanche (Alpha)” option resurfaced in the Experimental settings of a Quest 3 headset. However, when trying to launch the service, an error message stated, “Unable to launch the Avalanche session.” This indicates ongoing development and more testing required before a full-scale launch can occur.

Investments in the Gaming Experience

From 2016 to 2021, Facebook invested hundreds of millions of dollars into bringing various PC Oculus Rift blockbusters to life, including Lone Echo and Asgard’s Wrath. While many of these titles are playable on Quest via a gaming PC setup, a significant number of Quest users do not own such systems. Therefore, the launch of Avalanche could broaden access to these engaging experiences for a wider audience.

Challenges of Connectivity in Cloud Streaming

Nonetheless, VR cloud streaming relies heavily on users’ internet connections. For example, high latency may occur if servers are located far away, while a poor connection could cause judder due to packet loss. In late 2020, John Carmack expressed that while local network streaming is often superior, many users still find value in cloud streaming despite its challenges.

In 2020, Jason Rubin, Vice President of Facebook Gaming, suggested that cloud VR gaming might still be “more than five years out.” Yet, many Quest users have already utilized third-party tools to cloud stream for years, showcasing ongoing interest in such solutions.

Investigating Third-Party Solutions for VR Cloud Streaming

Several existing tools, including Virtual Desktop, allow Quest owners to stream games from a PC beyond their local network. Some users have combined these solutions with cloud PC services to enjoy SteamVR games without needing a gaming PC. For instance, a company named PlutoSphere offered a managed service with pay-as-you-go pricing via tokens, though this service ceased operations in March following Meta’s prohibition of cloud VR streaming in its Quest Store and App Lab policies.

Implications for the Market and Future Plans

If Meta proceeds with their VR cloud streaming feature soon, they may encounter scrutiny over anti-competitive practices. This situation could echo the circumstances surrounding Virtual Desktop, which faced a ban from the platform before the debut of Meta’s Air Link feature. Reports have surfaced about the US FTC investigating Meta’s competitive actions; however, more updates on the current status of this investigation are awaited.

Looking Forward with Avalanche in VR Gaming

As we eagerly anticipate news regarding the official launch of Avalanche, the promise of cloud streaming VR games could revolutionize how users engage with immersive gaming. With the right infrastructure and support, Avalanche may present exciting opportunities for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. The successful deployment of this technology could mark a crucial turning point for Meta and the entire VR community as they explore the realm of cloud gaming. 🎮