# **Orion Drift: The Latest Social VR Adventure from the Creators of Gorilla Tag Draws Inspiration from Echo VR in Space**
The realm of virtual reality (VR) gaming has experienced a remarkable rise in acclaim, with games like *Gorilla Tag* reshaping player interactions within digital environments. The straightforward gameplay of *Gorilla Tag*—where users propel themselves using their arms without the constraints of conventional menus or inventories—has positioned it as a favorite on devices such as Meta Quest. Now, the mind behind *Gorilla Tag*, Kerestell, known as Lemming, is venturing into unexplored territory with *Orion Drift*, a social VR game set among the stars that captures the essence of the cherished *Echo VR*.
## **A New Age of Social VR: Transitioning from Gorilla Tag to Orion Drift**
*Gorilla Tag* has emerged as a sensation in the VR landscape, recognized for its distinctive movement mechanics and a gameplay style prioritizing social interaction. Players traverse the environment by pushing off the floor with their arms, resulting in a natural and immersive journey that has appealed to countless individuals. The game’s accolades are impressive, having recently exceeded $100 million in earnings, solidifying its status as one of the highest-grossing VR games ever.
However, for Kerestell and his crew at Another Axiom, *Gorilla Tag* was merely the starting point. Their upcoming venture, *Orion Drift*, aspires to elevate social VR to new altitudes—literally. Nestled in a zero-gravity cosmic setting, *Orion Drift* offers a multiplayer experience inspired by *Echo VR*, a title that once enthralled the VR audience with its smooth, zero-g maneuvers and competitive play.
## **Orion Drift: A Distinctive Gaming Experience**
While *Gorilla Tag* is hailed for its minimalist design and absence of standard menus, *Orion Drift* expands on this foundation in a more broad and ambitious manner. The game’s fundamental framework centers around social engagement, similar to *Gorilla Tag*, but introduces a twist: it unfolds in a space setting, where players float in zero gravity, echoing *Echo VR*’s signature action.
In *Orion Drift*, players will find themselves in expansive lobbies, or hub worlds, hosting up to 200 other individuals. These environments are crafted to cultivate community and connection, encouraging players to interact and discover together. Rather than navigating through menus to choose game modes, players will organically encounter each other in the lobby and collaboratively decide on their next activity, creating a more fluid and sociable experience.
Kerestell shared that this design was influenced by the era of *Counter-Strike* community servers, where players would invest hours getting acquainted and forging friendships. *Orion Drift* seeks to replicate that community spirit in a VR context, allowing players to connect over shared activities and mini-games.
## **The Impact of Echo VR on Orion Drift**
For enthusiasts of *Echo VR*, *Orion Drift* will resonate as a spiritual successor. Although Kerestell and his team at Another Axiom are cautious not to label *Orion Drift* as a direct substitute for *Echo VR*, the similarities are unmistakable. Both titles showcase zero-gravity settings and prioritize social interaction over competitive gameplay. However, *Orion Drift* is not attempting to surpass *Echo VR*, but rather extend its legacy by fostering a space where players can unite and enjoy diverse mini-games and experiences.
Kerestell nostalgically reflected on *Echo VR* in a discussion at Meta Connect 2024, emphasizing the significance of social interaction in VR. He noted that *Orion Drift* is crafted to be more than merely a game; it serves as a virtual space for players to relax, meet new acquaintances, and have enjoyable moments together. This emphasis on community distinguishes *Orion Drift* from numerous other VR games, which typically depend on matchmaking systems and competitive play.
## **A Hub for Community and Creativity**
One of the most thrilling aspects of *Orion Drift* is its capacity for swift iteration and player-driven content creation. The team at Another Axiom is dedicated to heeding player suggestions and promptly executing fresh concepts and mini-games according to community preferences. This strategy permits *Orion Drift* to advance alongside its user base, ensuring the game remains lively and engaging over time.
In contrast to standard 5v5 VR shooters, which often feel solitary due to their matchmaking frameworks, *Orion Drift* promotes players to interact and connect before selecting their activities. This cultivates a more authentic and social atmosphere, where players can forge ties and friendships within the virtual sphere.
## **Orion Drift’s Prospect: A New Horizon for VR Gaming**
*Orion Drift* signals an audacious new path for social VR gaming. By merging the intuitive locomotion found in *Gorilla Tag* with the zero-gravity experiences of *Echo VR*, Another Axiom is crafting a game that feels both familiar and pioneering. The emphasis
