The Entire VR Industry in One Little Email
The Daily Roundup is our comprehensive coverage of the VR industry wrapped up into one daily email, delivered directly to your inbox.
Many device manufacturers are currently having issues keeping up with demand due to the recent supply chain slow down caused by the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), and Valve has been no exception with Index, its flagship PC VR headset. Now, Valve News Network claims to have seen a leaked email that points to a limited restocking of the headset next week.
Update (12:30 PM ET): The Valve Index order page now shows ‘Coming Soon’ instead of ”Notify Me’, further lending credence to the rumor.
In the video (linked below), VNN’s Tyler McVicker claims to have seen the contents of a leaked Valve press email which maintains Index stock will return on Monday, March 9th at 10 AM PT (local time here).
The alleged email says that Valve expects stock to sell out immediately on Monday. If the email can be believed, this will very likely be the case, as the enthusiast-level headset has been sold out globally since January due to high demand.
We’ve reached out the Valve to verify the authenticity of the email, and have yet to hear back. We’ll update when/if we hear more.
Lending credence to the claim, Valve told Road to VR in a statement last month that the company would indeed be made available before the launch of Half-Life: Alyx.
Here’s the statement Valve gave us last month:
“With Half-Life: Alyx coming March 23rd, we are working hard to meet demand for the Valve Index and want to reassure everyone that Index systems will be available for purchase prior to the game’s launch,” a Valve spokesperson said. “However, the global coronavirus health crisis has impacted our production schedules so we will have far fewer units for sale during the coming months compared to the volumes we originally planned. Our entire team is working hard right now to maximize availability.”
Provided the leak is authentic, this may be the last big chance to get some of the only guaranteed stock of Index before the launch of Half-Life: Alyx. The purchase of Index includes the game for free, a potent incentive if there ever was one.
McVicker has also been the conduit for several other leaks, including the very leak that basically outlined the entire HL:A project. As with all rumors, we’re remaining skeptical until proven otherwise.
Stay up to date with further developments of COVID-19 by visiting the World Health Organization’s website.
Source: Read Full Article