Beat Saber, one of the defining titles in the virtual reality gaming landscape, is making a significant shift in its development focus. Developer Beat Games has announced that it will cease the release of new content for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of the game, which include support for PSVR and PS VR2 platforms. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the game, which has been a staple in the VR gaming community since its launch in 2018.
Final Release and Future Plans
On June 18, 2025, the last update to Beat Saber will arrive, featuring Lady Gaga’s song “Abracadabra.” Current players will still retain access to all previously purchased songs and can continue to enjoy their existing library. However, the announcement has stirred concern among the dedicated Beat Saber community, as the decision indicates a shift away from ongoing support for PlayStation users. Beat Games stated, “As we look to the future and plan the next big leap for Beat Saber, we have made the decision to no longer release updates for PS4 and PS5 starting in June 2025.” Further expressing their excitement for what lies ahead, they acknowledged, “Our passion for VR remains unwavering.“
Multiplayer and Community Impact
Even though new content will no longer be available beyond June 2025, players will still have access to multiplayer features until January 21, 2026. This means that while the game will continue to operate for a while longer, it will ultimately face a complete cessation of significant updates and multiplayer interactions for PlayStation users. This element of discontinuation could significantly impact the community, as multiplayer has formed a core part of the Beat Saber experience since its inception.
Market Dynamics and VR Landscape
Beat Saber has long been recognized as a must-have title for VR enthusiasts, and it has played a vital role in driving sales of VR headsets, especially with each new iteration that hits the market. Since its introduction, the game has been synonymous with virtual reality gaming, marking its presence across various platforms including Oculus, PC VR, and PlayStation. It has been estimated that Beat Saber has sold over 4 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling VR games to date [SuperData Research].
However, the announcement comes at a time when Sony’s PlayStation VR efforts appear to be struggling. Reports suggest that production of the PlayStation VR2 has been halted as demand continues to lag behind expectations [Wccftech]. With Beat Saber being a flagship title for the PS VR2, its decision to stop releasing new content raises concerns about the future of VR gaming on PlayStation platforms. This shift could signal to developers and consumers that investing in VR for PlayStation may not yield long-term benefits, potentially slowing the growth of VR gaming within that ecosystem.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The response from the Beat Saber community has been mixed. While many players have expressed gratitude for the years of content and support, there is a palpable sense of loss regarding the decision to cease updates. The game has fostered a vibrant community that thrives on new content, custom levels, and multiplayer competitions. As the game reaches a critical juncture, community members are seeking clarity regarding future developments and whether similar support will exist for other platforms or devices in the pipeline.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Content Release | June 18, 2025 |
| Last Song Added | Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra” |
| Multiplayer Shutdown | January 21, 2026 |
| Total Sales | 4 million+ copies worldwide |
| Initial Release Date | 2018 |
| Latest Platform | PS VR2 (May 2023) |
As Beat Games pivots toward future projects, the fate of Beat Saber on PlayStation serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges facing VR developers in a rapidly evolving gaming landscape. The community’s response and the overall market dynamics will be closely watched as the industry prepares for what comes next in the realm of virtual reality gaming.