Episode
Ep. 44 - Why "The Thrill of the Fight 2" Hits Different
- Podcast
- Dr. VR
- Published
- Dec 11, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3120
- Processing state
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Summary
"The Thrill of the Fight" is unquestionably one of the most iconic and authentic VR experiences ever created. Now, with "The Thrill of the Fight 2," the franchise is entering a bold new chapter. In this episode, I dive deep into the making of TOTF2 with Creative Director Edward Vasquez, exploring how the video game company Halfbrick is evolving the raw, room-scale intensity of the original, fully developed by the one-man-army Ian Fitz, while introducing multiplayer, a full career mode, smarter AI, and a stronger sense of presence and narrative. Edward shares his personal story of falling in love with boxing, the moment VR “clicked” for him, the challenges of designing real-time multiplayer combat, and why the version of TOTF2 available today represents only 10–15% of their full vision. We also break down embodiment, agency, player freedom, and what it means to design a VR experience that truly makes you feel inside the fight. Whether you're a longtime fan of TOTF, a VR developer, or someone curious about the future of immersive sports, this conversation delivers exclusive insights, big reveals, and an inspiring look at where VR boxing is headed.