Payday: Aces High Launches Open Playtest with New Features

Fast Travel Games is set to kick off an open playtest for its cooperative VR heist shooter, Payday: Aces High, starting October 19. Participants will be rewarded with an exclusive Kitty Mask just for joining in.

What is Payday: Aces High?

At its core, Payday: Aces High is a cooperative first-person shooter that builds on the established mechanics of the Payday franchise. Players collaborate to plan and execute heists, utilizing various modes of approach—be they stealthy or all guns blazing. The game incorporates immersive VR elements, aiming to create a more engaging experience for players. The concept is not entirely new, as similar VR titles have attempted to meld action with cooperative gameplay. However, the success of games in this genre heavily depends on the execution, pacing, and depth of gameplay.

This upcoming title promises to deliver on several fronts. Fast Travel Games aims to make VR accessible and enjoyable, likely learning from past missteps observed in other cooperative shooters. It's the same blend of heist and adrenaline that has captivated fans, and this iteration seeks to enhance that thrill by leveraging virtual reality's strengths. Gamers are eager to see if this installment lives up to the franchise's legacy while offering fresh experiences.

The Open Playtest Experience

The open playtest provides a golden opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to get a taste of what the full game has in store. Scheduled for October 19, this playtest will be accessible on both Quest and Steam platforms. Such cross-platform availability is becoming increasingly important in the gaming community, as it allows friends to play together regardless of their VR systems. This is more significant than it looks — it might shape player communities and influence purchase decisions based on platform preferences.

Based on my own experience alongside James Tocchio during a limited preview in August, the initial gameplay offered a tantalizing glimpse of what the full game could be. The solid mechanics and well-crafted environments stood out, but what really impressed was the social aspect of the game. As players engaged in heists, the mix of communication and collaboration created an electric atmosphere. The thrill felt more visceral in VR, and that’s what could set this game apart.

New Heists and Game Features

While the August preview focused on a base tutorial and the initial heist, the upcoming open playtest will introduce players to two new heists. This progressive rollout of content keeps the community engaged and creates a buzz around each release. In total, the full game is expected to feature six heists, indicating that Fast Travel Games has a roadmap to entice and retain players over time. It's also worth considering how this strategy mirrors successful game releases in recent years that have expanded their universes through continuous updates and new content.

The addition of future content planned for release before the end of 2026 suggests a long-term commitment to the title. This could signal to players that they’re investing in a game that won’t stagnate shortly after its launch. However, this also raises questions: Will the developers be able to sustain quality and community engagement over such an extended timeline? Only time will tell.

How to Sign Up

• Quest: Sign up for the playtest build here.
• Steam: A public demo will be available on the game’s Steam page; adding it to your wishlist will notify you when the demo launches.

Interestingly, those who participated in the August closed playtest will need to register again for this October event. This could create some frustration within the community, especially for those eager to jump back into heists. It’s a small hurdle, but in a competitive gaming market, each barrier can deter potential players.

Developer Insights

For further insights into Payday: Aces High, players can check out our interview with Erik Odeldahl from Fast Travel Games. In this discussion, we explored the design principles underpinning the co-op heist shooter. Understanding the developers' vision provides players valuable context as they engage with the game. If you're working in this space or have an interest in VR development, the interview could shed light on the complexities of VR design, from mechanics to user experience.

Fast Travel Games’ Erik Odeldahl On Building Payday: Aces High For VR

We played Payday: Aces High with Fast Travel Games and talked to Chief Creative Officer Erik Odeldahl about the VR design philosophies behind the co-op heist shooter.

UploadVRMike Johnson

Implications for VR and Heist Genres

The implications of Payday: Aces High extend beyond its own success or failure. This title contributes to a growing trend in VR gaming, where immersive experiences blend with traditional gameplay mechanics. As players look for new ways to engage socially through games, cooperative titles could see a surge in interest. The success of this game may even set the stage for future VR multiplayer titles, shaping what players expect from the genre.

And yet, the heist genre, while rare in the VR space, faces monumental challenges. It's a niche market that demands not just high-quality gameplay, but also a captivating narrative. Successful VR experiences also prioritize the emotional connections formed between players. If Fast Travel Games can navigate these complexities while delivering on its promises, it could lead to a lasting impact on both the VR sector and the broader community of cooperative gaming. The outcome? A potential benchmark for what a successful VR heist shooter can achieve.