Exploring the Success of the Modern Quest Hit: UG
Amidst the challenges faced by VR developers in recent times, the rise of successful Quest titles like UG has been a beacon of hope. This free-to-play game has quickly risen in popularity and earnings, rivaling top titles such as Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber in just a few months. In an exclusive interview with Road to VR, the creators of UG provide insight into the game’s remarkable success.
By the Numbers
UG, launched on Quest less than six months ago, has become one of the platform’s most popular and top-earning titles. With a unique concept revolving around virtual dinosaur pets, UG has garnered over 245,000 reviews on the Horizon store, surpassing other popular titles like Animal Company and Gorilla Tag. Notably, UG maintains an impressive 4.9 out of 5 star user rating, a rare achievement for a game with such high review numbers.
According to Michael Murdock, lead game designer of UG, the game has already attracted 1.2 million unique users, with over 100,000 daily active users and a peak of 40,000 concurrent users. The game’s retention and playtime have exceeded expectations, with the average player spending over 14 hours in UG.
The Journey of UG
UG’s development journey began in October 2024 when Continuum, a Utah-based studio, decided to focus on VR game development. With funding from Trass Games, the studio embarked on creating UG, which was launched in early access in August 2025. The game’s unique concept of ‘dino farming’ was inspired by a mix of childhood memories and influences from popular games like Pokémon and Gorilla Tag.
Murdock shared, “UG is a culmination of my love for Jurassic Park, Pokémon, and the immersive world of VR gaming. We wanted to create a game that combined elements of capturing, collecting, and riding dinosaurs in a fresh and engaging way.”
UG continues to evolve with regular updates, including new features like flying dinosaurs and PvP arenas. The studio aims to launch the full 1.0 version later this year, focusing on enhancing gameplay, adding new content, and improving player experience.
The success of UG and similar titles highlights the changing landscape of VR gaming, emphasizing the shift towards free-to-play, social, and multiplayer experiences. With UG’s rapid rise to popularity, it’s clear that the Quest platform has a thriving community eager for innovative and engaging content.
