DIG VR: Everything We Know

Virtual reality has been on the rise in gaming. However, we've noticed that some genres are taking up more of the VR pie than others. It seems, though, that the simulation gaming genre is rising to the occasion, too. The upcoming DIG VR is the most recent addition to the lineup. DIG VR, as you may expect, will revolve around digging up dirt. But what else do we know about the upcoming game? Is there a trailer or release date available yet? Read on to find out everything we know about DIG VR so far.

What is DIG VR?

DIG VR is an upcoming casual simulation game. Just Add Water and Wired Productions, the upcoming game’s developers, have dubbed the game “the first-ever digger game on Quest.” It plans to cast players into the driving seat of an excavator. You’ll start off small with a mini-digger. However, as you progress, you’ll unlock a more diverse set of machine parts that allow you to build a colossal machine. Upgrading is necessary to take on more challenging digging jobs further into the game.

Story

DIG VR will take place in a charming, quaint, little town called Diglington. You can catch a sneak peek into the town via the reveal trailer. Meanwhile, the protagonist will be the player, cast into the driving seat of your own excavator. To progress, you’ll take on increasingly challenging jobs. Each successfully completed job will presumably unlock rewards and better machine parts. With time, you’ll be able to customize your excavator from a mini-digger into a colossal machine able to complete the most challenging jobs.

Gameplay

While the digger sub-genre has been cast aside for a while now, DIG VR is shining the spotlight back on it. The upcoming game plans to simulate the operation of two-ton excavator machines. Despite how tiring it can be in real life, DIG VR seems to take a more casual and relaxing approach to digging. It allows both novice gamers and newcomers to gradually learn and master the art of digging.  

You’ll use one hand to move the digger and the other to control the crane. It can take a while to wrap one’s head around, especially for gamers who have never operated a two-ton excavator. However, the hope is that once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing to the end. You’ll take on several odd jobs in the charming town of Diglington. Some tasks require digging up dirt to create room for a pond. To assess your progress, you’ll master skills like sticking to the marked regions of the area you’re allowed to dig. 

Alternatively, you’re free to turn on Zen mode, which gives you the freedom to dig for as long as you like. While digging, you also listen to classic radio on DIG FM, which hopefully packs a thrilling set of relaxing music. Additionally, you can also take on other tasks like chopping down trees, trimming hedges, fixing pipes, managing a festival, and collecting dinosaur bones. You can also expect mini-games like bowling and completing obstacle courses—a welcome change of pace, no doubt, from the straightforward digging.

Successful missions earn you in-game currency, which you can use to customize and upgrade your excavator to colossal machines better suited to perform more complex tasks. Lastly, while you can play solo, DIG VR will allow you to play with a friend.

Key Features

• The first-ever digger game developed exclusively for Meta Quest
• Choice of authentic & simplified controller schemes
• Career Mode Campaign with options for serious & casual players
• Unlock new machinery & attachments 
• Personalize your digger with decals, paint & skins
• Play with a friend in select modes
• Discover new items regularly in Lost Treasure mode

Development

Developer Just Add Water and publisher Wired Productions are currently working on a new reality in VR called DIG VR. The game is completely brand-new, as is the partnership between Just Add Water and Wired Productions. DIG VR’s development was first announced at the Wired Direct ‘24 digital event. The event revealed first looks into what to expect of the upcoming “deeply personal project.” 

According to Leo Zullo, co-founder and managing director at Wired Productions, “DIG VR is a deeply personal game. The idea was conceived during the early days of lockdown, whilst I was stuck in my father’s farmland house in Italy, being separated from my team in the UK. Looking for things to do, I hired a digger and that eureka moment came—the controls of the digger would be perfect for a VR game. I knew it was a great idea, but it was just that—an idea.” Now, we’ve drawn a little closer to launch day, about to get our hands on the final product. 

Trailer

Good news! The DIG VR announcement trailer is out now on YouTube. It offers a quick glimpse into the story and gameplay to expect. You can feast your eyes on the mechanical machine you’ll be using to dig up dirt. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

According to the Wired Productions website, DIG VR will launch sometime soon. It’s unclear when the exact release date will be. For the platforms, DIG VR will launch on PC for Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro platforms, which is exciting given that the upcoming game will be the first-ever digger VR game on Quest. In fact, DIG VR has been developed exclusively for Meta Quest. However, it may port over to PSVR 2, pending confirmation.

Meanwhile, we don’t know of any editions that you can pre-order, if there are any. However, you can stay up-to-date by either adding DIG VR to your wishlist via the Meta Store. Alternatively, you can sign up to receive future updates via the DIGVRgame.com website. Still, you can follow DIG VR’s official social handle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram, to keep up with the latest news. Or, stay tuned right here on gaming.net where we post new information on upcoming games as soon as they come up.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of DIG VR when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.