Starlight Games, the creators of House of Golf 2 (2024), have announced the upcoming release of a new addition to their mini golf series in October. This time, players will be able to turn their own living space into a mini golf course with the help of mixed reality technology.
The Announcement
The new game, titled HOUSE OF GOLF VR, is set to launch on Quest on October 30th, offering both mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) modes.
In the MR mode, users will have the ability to design custom mini golf courses within their physical space, choosing from a range of obstacles, ramps, and whimsical elements such as mini-cranes, cannons, hot air balloons, and more.
House of Golf VR will launch with a wide selection of course pieces, hazards, and quirky items, promising an engaging experience in VR mode as well. Players can expect vibrant VR environments filled with interactive puzzles and competitive championships, according to Starlight Games.
Originally known as Atomicon when founded in 2010, the Liverpool-based studio rebranded as Starlight Games in early 2024 to focus on developing new intellectual properties. Aside from House of Golf VR, the studio has hinted at a futuristic sports game and a sci-fi rogue-lite action adventure currently in the works—though their XR compatibility remains unconfirmed at this time.
You can add House of Golf VR to your wishlist on the Horizon Store, which is compatible with Quest 2 and newer headsets.
Personal Thoughts
At first glance, the introduction of a mixed reality mode in House of Golf VR may come as a surprise, especially considering Meta’s emphasis on mixed reality with the release of Quest 3 in 2023.
While there are several impressive VR golf games available, such as Walkabout Mini Golf (2020) (with numerous additional courses), the incorporation of mixed reality modes is relatively rare, likely due to the complexity involved. Games featuring robust MR modes require a high level of adaptability to accommodate various physical room layouts.
Quest devices have improved in their ability to map rooms and establish boundaries automatically, but games utilizing MR that truly integrate this data into gameplay are still uncommon. Many MR games rely on passthrough views or require precise object placement to create an enjoyable experience, similar to Gadgeteer—and now, House of Golf VR.
There are only a few games, like Starship Home (which is fantastic), that strike a balance by having users set up a few anchor points in their room and letting the game handle the rest. This approach deserves more attention in the industry.
Nevertheless, I view the MR mode in House of Golf VR as a promising compromise, as it taps into the creative aspect of building with blocks. Regardless, I hope the developers have emulated the exceptional putting mechanics found in Walkabout Mini Golf, as Mighty Coconut has set a high standard in that regard.
