ABOUT

An overview of Espire 1: VR Operative;
dedicated single-player VR Stealth game

Espire 1: VR Operative aims to be the definitive VR Stealth experience.

The game requires a VR headset with tracked controllers and allows players to embody the ESPIRE 1: VR OPERATIVE while undertaking a series of objective-based missions.

Espire 1 is being developed as a dedicated single-player story-driven VR Experience, with a focus on Stealth infiltrations and espionage. The story mode is delivered as a series of interconnected objective-based missions. The game will also feature a series of scenario missions; competitive challenges that reuse the story environments in new ways. Many weapons and gadgets are at the player’s disposal.

As Espire 1, you are the world’s first “VR Operative”. shaping a new chapter in espionage operations. You have been accepted into a revolutionary new program that will increase infiltration effectiveness on the field while reducing human casualties. This is achieved by deploying a remote controlled cyborg to carry out the most dangerous of infiltration missions – a cyborg piloted by an Espire agent kilometres away.

Virtual reality opens up so many exciting gameplay mechanics
for the stealth & action genres that have yet to be explored.

Some of the guiding principles behind the game’s design are:

– Allow the player to interact with the game intuitively and in ways that are physically accurate wherever possible.

– Use as many available inputs as possible – such as mic input.

– Provide a strong narrative that ties together story missions.

– Provide highly interactive and flexible level designs so areas can be repurposed with varied objectives.

Features

Espire 1 is currently in development. These are the planned features and scope of the project.

The definitive VR stealth experience
Espire 1 brings the stealth genre to the exciting medium of Virtual Reality, delivering exciting gameplay mechanics for the stealth and action genres that have yet to be explored.
Complete single-player story, rich in detail
Espire 1 is being developed as a dedicated singleplayer VR experience with a designed scope of 15 individual story missions and over 100 scenario missions that use the story mission environments for short challenges.
Full freedom of movement
Espire 1 allows players the freedom to move anywhere within their virtual environment with the development goal of minimizing motion sickness
Voice control
Using the VR headset’s onboard microphone, you can make commands and perform actions simply by speaking. The noises you make could draw the enemy to your location – use this to your advantage.
Arsenal of weapons and gadgets
As an Espire 1 VR Operative you will have access to dozens of unique gadgets and weapons in order to complete your mission objectives.
Grounded in realism
Become completely immersed inside the story of Espire 1 and explore a virtual world bound by the laws of physics. Use the environment to your advantage as you physically reach out and interact with it using your own hands.
Global Leaderboard
A worldwide tally awards players a competitive score based on mission time, movement, stealth, ammo conservation, takedowns and other factors.
Intuitive controls that mimic real life
Interaction in this game aims to be natural and intuitive. Instead of memorizing dozens of button combinations for every action, you perform them as you would in real life. You can crouch and enter cover by physically using your body.
Smart AI that responds to your actions
Enemy combatants in this game actively hunt the player. The AI responds to sight, sound, and other stimuli and will react to with varying levels of suspicion based on your physical stance, movement speed, cover and relative location.
Customizable character
Modify your Espire 1 operative & arsenal to suit your body height, dominant hand and other personalizations.

About the Developer

Learn more about the development of Espire 1

Michael Wentworth-Bell

I am a digital artist with 8 years industry experience as a 3D content creator. I’m a VR evangelist and have immersed myself in this earth-changing technology over the past few years. Espire 1 is the result of these years of work experience and my life-long love of the stealth genre. 

Digital Lode

I complete all of my individual projects under my studio, ‘Lode’. These include projects that are both commissioned and personal. Espire 1: VR Operative is my latest personal project. The Digital Lode website includes a portfolio of the projects I have worked on over the years.

Reel Pictures

I work as a 3D Generalist at Reel Pictures. Founded in 1993, Reel is an animation studio based in Melbourne, Australia that creates 3D content for a variety of end uses. Since early 2015, my main focus at Reel has been VR projects. Check out the Reel Pictures website.