Meta’s Echo VR Shut Down: Modder Brings Unofficial Online Matches Back

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, shocked fans in early August when it announced the shutdown of Echo VR, one of its most popular virtual reality (VR) games. Many believed that this meant the end of the game for good. However, a modder by the name of David ‘Xenomega’ Pokora has now released an experimental project called EchoRelay, which allows players to enjoy unofficial online matches once again.

A Second Chance for Echo VR Fans

Created specifically for the PC VR version of the game, EchoRelay is a mod that has successfully revived online services for both Echo Arena and Echo Combat, the game’s VR shooter variant. Unfortunately, this solution is only available for PC players and does not apply to the Quest version of the game.

A “Proof-of-Concept” Mod

Describing EchoRelay as a “proof-of-concept,” Pokora’s creation enables players to either run their own server or connect to existing community servers. Although the mod is available for download by anyone, Pokora clarifies that it is not intended for public use, stating so on EchoRelay’s GitHub page. It’s important to note that players must already possess a copy of Echo VR on PC, which is no longer available on Meta’s PC Store.

No Continued Support

Pokora has also made it clear that the EchoRelay project will not receive any continued support or further feature updates beyond its current capabilities. This means that users will have to work with the available features as they are, without any hope of future enhancements.

A Controversial Project

While the GitHub page for EchoRelay has been archived, modders with a knack for innovation can still fork the project and make their own modifications. However, it remains uncertain whether Meta, the company behind Echo VR, approves of such activity.

Key Features of EchoRelay

Let’s take a closer look at the features offered by EchoRelay:

• Extended Echo VR Command-line Arguments

  The mod provides additional command-line arguments that allow players to launch the game in various modes, such as offline client (no server), dedicated game server, windowed mode (no VR headset), or headless mode (console-based process with no graphics or audio). Additionally, players can use specific argument combinations to experience the game with or without a VR headset.

• Support for Standard In-Game Features

  EchoRelay includes support for the most common in-game features, such as the social lobby, Echo Arena, Echo Combat, local AI matches, and public or private match game types. It also offers spectator and Game Admin (moderator) support, allowing players to watch matches or moderate game sessions.

• Server Operator and Administrator Flows

  The mod enables server operators and administrators to kick users from game sessions, ban accounts until a specified date/time, enforce IP-based Access Control Lists for allowed or denied clients, and modify server-provided resources like accounts, login settings, and channel descriptions. It also supports various network messages, including profile fetches and updates, server resource fetching, and matching.

Although the future of Echo VR remains uncertain, EchoRelay offers a glimmer of hope for dedicated fans who wish to continue enjoying this zero-G sports game. With the mod’s experimental online matches, players can once again experience the thrill of Echo Arena and Echo Combat, even if it means venturing into unofficial territory.