'Resident Evil 7' VR release date: set for January 2017; VR version still needs improving

Capcom

Capcom has released the first playable demo of "Resident Evil 7: Biohzard" and while it can be played on a traditional console like the PlayStation 4, it is also going to be available for Virtual Reality headsets like the PlayStation VR. Unfortunately, a report from Bloomberg confirms the VR version of the game is still a "mess" and requires significant improvement.

According to the report, the VR version of the game is causing nausea and other symptoms such as headaches and even vomitting for some players. Back in June, a report from Kotaku revealed that the likely cause is the lower framerate of the game. The VR version will need to improve further and achieve a higher framerate to avoid causing nausea.

Kotaku reveals that while regularly played games are suggested to be played at 60 fps (frames per second), a VR game should be running at a consistent 90 fps in order to avoid causing headaches, nausea and vomitting. Unfortunately, the current build of "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard" in VR only runs at 60 fps. 

A Capcom representative later gave Kotaku an update, stating "The title is still in development and is still being optimized across all aspects, including for VR. The development team's priority with VR is ensuring that players' comfort and ability to enjoy the game to its full potential is realized."

It is noted that the demo, dubbed "The Kitchen" by players, is not a part of the final game and was merely developed to give players a distinctive experience of the new changes and style that "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard" is going to incorporate. After all, the style of the game is a big departure from the third-person action of "Resident Evil 6" and "Resident Evil 5."

"Resident Evil 7: Biohazard" will be released for the PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One on Jan. 24, 2017. It is compatible VR headsets such as the PlayStation VR.