Skip to main content

Try and never buy: Viveport gives HTC Vive users five games a month for $7

viveport subscription vr monthly games viveanniversary
HTC
In line with similar promotions like Xbox’s Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus, HTC announced its Vivport Subscription which, for $7 a month, gives HTC Vive owners access to several games of their choice. The promotion will let users pick five apps from a selection of 50 and they can change them once a month.

One of the biggest drawbacks with virtual reality games is that until you play them, it’s hard to know what they are like. 2D screenshots and trailers barely do traditional games justice, let alone fully realized virtual worlds. With that in mind, HTC is looking to make it easier to try out a number of titles through Viveport, its VR storefront.

Recommended Videos

Launching on Wednesday, a year to the day after the original release of the HTC Vive virtual reality headset, the Viveport Subscription will give VR gamers access to content that they may not have otherwise paid for.

Although the precise lineup of titles available has yet to be announced, HTC hinted at a handful through its Viveport homepage. On the Viveport Subscription slider image, we can see games and experiences like Stonehenge VR, Lumen, Arcade Artist, Mars Odyssey, Russian Coasters VR, Richie’s Plank Experience, and more.

We’re told that there will be 50 games to choose from, with the selection changing month to month and including everything from short VR experiences, to full-blown games. The idea will be to give people a chance to demo the odd game before buying, or hang on to favorites for a few months instead of having to pay for everything.

Every HTC Vive owner will be given a free month trial of the subscription service, as well as a free copy of Arcade Saga. However, from then on, each month will cost users $7 to remain part of the subscription service. Forbes reports that HTC believes as many as half of all Vive owners will join up, which with an estimated 500,000 headset owners out in the wild, would represent a nice little revenue stream for HTC.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and…
How to fix reputation in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Two groups pointing at each other in Stalker 2.

Unless you played any of the previous games, it might come as a surprise to learn just how many immersive sim elements are in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. In a lot of ways, it is closer to a more hardcore Fallout game than a pure FPS title, with lots of loot, quests, and characters to meet and talk to. One somewhat hidden mechanic is the reputation system. Stalker 2 won't stop you from opening fire on anyone you want, but not without consequence. Upset someone from a particular group, and you'll find yourself being hunted by them until you do something about it. There are enough things in Stalker 2 trying to kill you so if you accidentally angered a group and want to get back in their good graces, here's how you can fix your reputation.
How to fix your reputation in Stalker 2

If you've intentionally or accidentally shot or hurt a friendly NPC from one of the main groups in Stalker 2, you will instantly be put on their "shoot on sight" list if it lowers your reputation enough. Thankfully, there are ways to get yourself a second or third chance, but only two.

Read more
The 10 best gaming monitors of 2024: tested and reviewed
Alienware ultrawide OLED on a desk.

Editor’s note: Gaming monitors are always hot sellers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We're expecting some really great discounts on some of the top models, including high-end OLED gaming monitors, super-fast refresh rate screens, and more budget-oriented fare. There are tons of fantastic monitor deals available now, and they're bound to get even better on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make sure to check out our other Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals for even more bargains on TV, headphones, and more.

A good monitor is essential for gaming due to its significant impact on the overall experience. There are a ton of options if you are on the hunt for one of the best gaming monitors, but for us, Alienware's 34 QD-OLED still takes the cake in 2024. It's not the display for everyone, though, and after reviewing dozens of the top gaming monitors, we've settled on a list of displays that offer great gaming performance for any budget or purpose.

Read more
20 years later, the Nintendo DS remains one of gaming’s best devices
Nintendo DS on a pink background.

It's a special day. Today, November 21, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of the Nintendo DS' launch in North America.

It’s hard for me to believe it’s been that long, because Nintendo's dual-screen handheld device defined my childhood more than any other device. While I started my gaming journey on the original Xbox and Game Boy Advance, the Nintendo DS is what truly made me fall in love with video games. It was an innovative piece of technology that drew my attention in ways none of my other childhood toys could. These were formative gaming experiences that I’ll always remember.

Read more