Somnium Space maintains a relentless update schedule, and last week it was time for update 3.1.4, which brings fresh tools for players and creators alike while pushing performance to new heights across the entire platform. As usual, no need for users to do anything, as the update will kick in automatically. Once completed, jump in and start exploring. Which is exactly what we did and from what we experienced, this update is yet another major leap forward, especially as far as performance is concerned. Somnium feels more immersive, responsive and fun than ever.
Smooth Avatar Scaling
An interesting and helpful feature is avatar scaling, which gives players smooth and intuitive ways to adjust sizes in real time. For example, by clicking on any avatar’s name and clicking a single button, you can instantly match their height to your own eye level. No need anymore to feel intimidated or inferior to giants!
Also, via the calibration screen you can scale your own avatar to perfectly align with others, either manually using a slider or instantly to match other avatar’s eye-height. These options, obvious as they may seem, are actually improving gameplay quite a bit. You can now adapt effortlessly to any situation, which helps create a stronger sense of presence.
Control Players with New SDK Components
For Unity and Somnium SDK savvy users, Somnium Space has introduced new SDK Player Components that let builders directly control player movement, gravity, jump height, teleportation, collision behavior, fly mode, gliding, and more. They’re exposed via the Somnium Bridge, which gives unprecedented flexibility through unlocked C# scripting. The result is an entirely new layer of gameplay possibilities, from intense obstacle courses and zero-gravity puzzles to fully custom combat arenas that simply weren’t feasible before.
Expect some amazing new worlds, with fun player mechanics, coming online soon. Speaking of which, Somnium Space included one in this update.
Castle Doom World
Depending on your perspective, one of the highlights of this release is the launch of Castle Doom, a brand-new, partially procedurally generated world. Built from the ground up, Castle Doom delivers fast-paced, addictive gameplay that works seamlessly for both desktop and VR users. Inspired by classic DOOM-style action, the game challenges players to cross ever-shifting levels, grab a coin, and return it to the start, all while dodging dynamic hazards in a “floor is lava” style experience.
A cheeky surprise awaits every winner, and the built-in scoreboard lets you track your victories and climb the leaderboards. What’s great, no two runs ever feel the same, which turns Castle Doom into a living playground that keeps bringing players back for fresh challenges.
Major Performance Overhaul
For us, the significant performance optimizations in this release top the list. Under the hood, Somnium Space has delivered a truly sweeping networking and performance overhaul that makes the entire platform feel noticeably smoother and more responsive. There’s several adjustments, and we won’t go through all of them as performance is something that has to be experienced, but by incorporating Unity 6-specific performance features such as Mesh LODs and an advanced culling system, the team has unlocked some major gains. Creators can now apply Mesh LODs directly to any mesh, including custom avatars, automatically generating up to 30 seamless levels of detail. This means players can enjoy incredibly detailed, high-quality avatars without performance hits, especially when the world fills up with people.
Network synchronization has been optimized as well. The end result is higher frame rates, lower VRAM/CPU/GPU demands, and a snappier, more immersive experience even with significant number of players sharing the same space. Somnium feels polished and fluid for everyone, whether exploring solo or joining massive events.
Other Updates
There’s a load of other changes in this release. For instance, the Community Hub on Somnium Space’s website now features full user profiles, giving instant access to their karma, uploaded worlds and marketplace assets.
About Somnium Space
Somnium Space, the company behind the VR1, also runs a blockchain-based virtual reality platform that allows users to create, experience, and monetize content and applications. The platform is committed to building a decentralized and immersive VR world that offers users a unique and engaging experience.
Discord: https://discord.gg/somniumspace
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