PSVR 2 Introduces First Game Featuring Controller-Free Hand-Tracking

Back in December, Sony rolled out a hand-tracking feature for the PSVR 2, paving the way for developers to enhance their games with a touch of real-world interaction through the headset’s onboard tracking cameras. Fast forward to today, and Waltz of the Wizard (originally launched in 2019) proudly earns the distinction of being the first game to integrate hand-tracking capabilities on PSVR 2.

Waltz of the Wizard’s journey started way back in 2016 as a humble free demo on HTC Vive, where it invited players into a captivating alchemy lab perched atop a tower. As the game evolved—specifically with its paid release in 2019—it introduced a slew of new features. These included voiced characters, a robust magic combat system, and a dungeon teeming with challenges, all of which expanded further with the major ‘Natural Magic’ update in 2021.

Aldin Dynamics, the creative minds behind Waltz of the Wizard, continue to shape and refine this magical experience, impressively accumulating almost 9,000 reviews on Quest alone. They have a knack for embracing cutting-edge technology to heighten immersion in their beloved VR title. From the outset, this game was something special, largely because of Aldin Dynamics’ use of a data analytics tool called Ghostline. This helped them fine-tune every aspect of the game based on feedback from actual players—an impressive feat at the time.

In a recent blog post, the studio explained, “Waltz of the Wizard was crafted with natural hand interaction as a core principle. Every gesture and interaction is designed to feel intuitive and magical.” The game features a wide range of interactions like grabbing and throwing objects, intricate poking, smooth movement with snap turning, numerous magical hand abilities, and elaborate gestures to communicate with the character, Skully.

The latest free update not only introduces hand-tracking to PSVR 2 players, but also enhances interactions with Skully, allowing him to respond to gestures in a way that feels remarkably lifelike and immersive. This creates a connection that truly breathes life into the virtual world the game presents.

What’s more, all the hand-tracking features available on PSVR 2 are now accessible in the Quest version, which had its own hand-tracking update back in 2020. Additionally, a new guidebook called the Handbook is set to arrive in a separate Quest update “soon.”

If you already own Waltz of the Wizard on PSVR 2, expect to see this magical update today. For those yet to dive into the mystical world of spell casting and potion brewing, the game is available on the PlayStation Store for $20.