Inspiration
Brutal Escape was inspired by the excitement of VR climbing and the way players naturally interact when helping each other in cooperative games.
We noticed how thrilling vertical movement feels in VR and wanted to combine it with fun multiplayer chaos, teamwork and unexpected moments.
The idea of one player becoming a mutant hunter chasing the rest added tension, humor and a unique social dynamic.
What it does
Brutal Escape is a multiplayer VR climbing game where players scale walls, grab ledges, use special climbing points and even place their own holds.
One player transforms into a mutant hunter whose goal is to catch the climbers, while the climbers must work together, throw objects to slow the monster and reach the top.
The game focuses on:
- fast vertical climbing
- cooperative support (dropping ropes and helping teammates)
- chaotic chase gameplay
- players turning into mutants when caught
- fun and social interaction
Future modes include co-op height challenges and single player climbing runs.
How we built it
We built a custom climbing system that allows grabbing natural edges, designed climbing anchors and player placed tools.
The multiplayer architecture was built to sync fast movement, physics and chase mechanics smoothly.
Level design focuses on vertical routes, shortcuts and places where teamwork becomes essential.
Key development steps included:
- building a climbing mechanic that works on any surface
- designing a mutant role with unique movement and chase behavior
- implementing item throwing to stun or slow the monster
- creating social mechanics like dropping ropes to help teammates
- optimizing performance for multiplayer VR
Challenges we ran into
Some of the main challenges:
- syncing fast climbing and physics in multiplayer
- making the mutant role fun, fair and readable
- designing vertical levels that support both escape routes and chase routes
- balancing teamwork, speed and chaos
- keeping motion comfortable while maintaining intensity
We also iterated heavily on interaction readability so players clearly understand what they can grab or climb.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of:
- creating a fun and chaotic multiplayer climbing chase experience
- building a climbing system that feels natural and dynamic
- seeing players spontaneously help each other and create memorable moments
- designing a mode where social interaction matters as much as skill
- developing a foundation that supports many future modes
The moment when players drop a rope to save a teammate or stun the mutant at the last second truly defines the spirit of the game.
What we learned
Throughout development we learned:
- how powerful social interaction can be in VR
- how different climbing rhythms affect player comfort and strategy
- how to balance asymmetrical multiplayer roles
- how vertical level design changes gameplay pacing
- how important clear visual feedback is for fast VR movement
We also learned that players naturally create their own challenges when given freedom to move and interact.
What's next for Brutal Escape
We plan to expand Brutal Escape with:
- new game modes including a co-op height race with leaderboards
- a single player mode with rising hazards and progression
- a full story mode with handcrafted vertical challenges
- expanded customization with new models, colors and styles
- deeper community interaction and feedback driven development
Brutal Escape will continue to evolve as a multiplayer VR experience focused on fun, teamwork and chaotic vertical action.
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