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

One of the standout successes in the virtual reality (VR) world, Gorilla Tag, is taking its user experience up a notch by permanently integrating a feature called "Monke Blocks". This mode, which had previously been tested, invites players to join forces with friends to construct unique environments, and then dive right into them for play. Meanwhile, in an exciting move for the social VR scene, Digigods, a budding VR game, has successfully secured a $2.6 million investment. This goes to show how vital user-generated content (UGC) has become for the leading social VR games.

Take a look at VRChat, Rec Room, Roblox, and Horizon Worlds—these social VR games have all made significant strides, and they owe much of their success to UGC. It turns out, friends who build together, tend to stay together.

On the surface, Gorilla Tag might seem merely like another multiplayer game. However, its innovative multiplayer setup, where players can roam freely between lobbies, transforms it into a social hub as much as it is a game. With the introduction of the permanent "Monke Blocks" feature, the game is venturing further into social VR territory, enabling players to both construct and engage with their own imaginative spaces.

Through a block-based system, players can snap pieces together and craft new levels, where they can then shrink down to explore just like during a typical Gorilla Tag session. Interestingly, while some are full-sized and busy with construction, others can be miniaturized, exploring the creation as it unfolds.

Monetizing this creative feature is a strategic move. Players can purchase additional block sets to enhance their builds using Gorilla Tag’s premium currency, known as "Shiny Rocks". The first set to be released includes medieval castle-themed pieces, offered at a price equivalent to $30 (6,000 SR).

This model of ‘building and playing’, driven by UGC, is increasingly central to both seasoned and emerging social VR games. Another Axiom, the studio behind Gorilla Tag, is further exploring this dynamic with their upcoming game, Orion Drift. Players will have access to expansive environments where they can choose their adventures, eventually customizing their own mini-games and rules.

Earlier this year, it was reported that UGC-centric Yeeps hit an impressive milestone with 360,000 active users monthly. Moreover, Squido Studio, creators of the UGC-driven game Digigods, recently garnered a $3 million seed investment, attracting backers like Triptyq Capital and others. Despite launching just in April 2024, less than a year ago, Digigods is already making waves with over 100,000 unique players and more than 10,600 glowing user reviews, averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars—an achievement on the Quest platform. Although still in Early Access, it seems poised for an even bigger breakthrough upon full release.

UGC is undeniably the connecting thread across the most thriving social VR platforms. However, there is a noticeable split between the old and the new, predominantly in how players navigate these worlds.

Older VR games, such as Rec Room, VRChat, and Horizon Worlds, primarily use thumbstick or teleportation for movement. In contrast, newer games like Orion Drift, Yeeps, and Digigods are embracing arm-based locomotion, a trend set into motion by Gorilla Tag. This approach not only differentiates the new from the old but also highlights a shift in gamer demographics.

The arm-based movement style seems to resonate more with Gen Z audiences, contrasting with the millennial and older user base seen in traditional locomotion games. This divide exemplifies how emerging trends are shaping the future of social VR experiences.