Face Jumping Promises Eye-Tracked Surrealism From The Stranger Things VR Studio: A Wild VR Trip Awaits
Ever locked eyes with someone in an elevator and wondered what’s cooking in their head? Well, buckle up, because Face Jumping, the latest brainchild from Tender Claws—the studio that brought us Stranger Things VR—is about to turn that vibe into a full-on VR fever dream. Dropping at SXSW’s XR Experience Exhibition from March 9-11, 2025, this 30-minute trip uses Quest Pro’s eye-tracking to let you hop between perspectives like some mind-swapping wizard. Birds, rocks, cowboys—oh my! It’s surreal, it’s trippy, and it’s got that Tender Claws weirdness we live for. But is this the next VR banger or just a quirky flex? Let’s peel back the layers and see what’s popping.
The Main Scoop: What’s Face Jumping Bringing to the Table?
This ain’t your average VR game—it’s a mind-bending experiment that’s all about seeing and being seen. Here’s the breakdown of why it’s got us hyped (and maybe a little confused).
1. Eye-Tracking Magic: Swap Souls with a Glance
The core gimmick? Look at someone—or something—and bam, you’re in their head. Face Jumping uses Quest Pro’s eye-tracking to let you leap from human to bird to freaking cloud in seconds. Tender Claws says it’s about “the desire and impossibility of seeing through another’s eyes.” Deep, right? Think of it like a VR staring contest where you’re suddenly flapping wings or chilling as a delivery bot. No cap, it’s wild—and a flex only eye-tracking headsets can pull off.
- Quick Vibe Check: Quest Pro’s got 10K+ units sold since 2022—niche, but enough to make this a thing.
2. Tender Claws’ Weird Flex: Surrealism on Blast
If you’ve played Virtual Virtual Reality or Stranger Things VR, you know Tender Claws doesn’t do basic. Face Jumping is their return to OG experimental roots—think less Vecna boss fights, more “what even is reality?” vibes. You’re not just playing; you’re vibing through a 30-minute art piece with cowboys, ghosts, and rocks that have feelings. Posts on X are calling it “patently weird,” and yeah, that’s the brand. It’s less game, more acid trip in VR.
3. SXSW Premiere: Hype’s Real, But Exclusive AF
Kicking off at SXSW in Austin, Face Jumping is badge-only from March 9-11, 2025. No word yet on a wide release, which has us side-eyeing the hype. Directed by Tender Claws’ co-founders Danny Cannizzaro and Samantha Gorman, it’s pitched as a “journey of rebirth and evolution.” Cool, but if it’s stuck at a fest, is it just a fancy demo? The Stranger Things VR drop hit Quest and PSVR 2—fingers crossed this follows.
- Sassy Take: Great, another VR gem we might never play unless we’re SXSW VIPs. Thanks, exclusivity!
4. Big Questions, Big Feels: What’s It Saying?
This isn’t just random weirdness—there’s a point. Tender Claws wants you to ponder “how seeing and being seen shapes reality.” You’re swapping perspectives to feel what it’s like as a bird soaring or a rock… uh, existing? It’s philosophical AF, digging into connection and consciousness. Compared to Stranger Things VR’s action-horror, this is chill but heavy—less jump scares, more “whoa, dude” moments.
The Wrap: Is Face Jumping Worth the Hype?
Face Jumping is Tender Claws flexing their surreal chops with eye-tracked VR magic, dropping a 30-minute mind-bender that’s equal parts art and chaos. It’s got that Stranger Things VR studio cred, but swaps horror for existential vibes. Premiering at SXSW, it’s a niche Quest Pro treat—for now. If it goes wide, it could redefine how we mess with VR storytelling. If not, well, it’s a cool story for the fest crowd. Either way, it’s weird, it’s fresh, and it’s got us curious.
Wanna catch the wave? Stalk Tender Claws on X or pray for a Quest store drop. This one’s too trippy to sleep on!
Bonus: How to Prep for Face Jumping
Got a Quest Pro and dreams of weirdness? Here’s your vibe check:
- Gear Up: Quest Pro’s eye-tracking is a must—sorry, Quest 3 peasants.
- Mindset: Get ready for surreal, not shooty-shooty.
- SXSW Hopes: Badge up or beg for a home release.
FAQ: Quick Qs, Straight As
Q: Do I need to know Stranger Things?
A: Nah, this is a standalone trip—no Vecna required.
Q: Why Quest Pro only?
A: Eye-tracking’s the star. Other headsets might get a watered-down version later—maybe.
Q: When can I play it?
A: SXSW March 9-11, 2025. After that? TBD, fam—keep your eyes peeled.
