Gamers of a certain age will no doubt have an enduring connection with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) universe. It’s a franchise that has been through peaks and troughs over the years, both in live action and animated series’. In video games however, there’s a few titles that still standout as champions in their respective genres. Now, Cortopia Studios – creators of the critically acclaimed VR action game, Gorn 2 – have announced their next game that will leave gamers without headsets green with envy. Created in collaboration with Paramount Game Studio, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City is actively in development as the first standalone VR experience set in the storied TMNT universe.
TMNT in VR
Given the resurgence in popularity of TMNT throughout the last decade, it’s surprising that we haven’t seen much of the franchise in VR thus far. We have special environments created in VRChat and Rec Room, but little else. Of course, given that much of the action comes from fast-paced acrobatics and ninjutsu, it could well be that this is hard to translate into VR. But given the pedigree of Cortopia Studios’ VR works, fans have a right to be excited by this proposition.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City Gameplay
According to Cortopia Studios, TMNT: Empire City is being built entirely for VR. The game sees you taking on the role of either Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello or Michelangelo in an action-driven adventure that’s equal parts combat and an exploration of the bonds of brotherhood. Ensuring authenticity, comic book writer Tom Waltz, best known for his work on The Last Ronin and over 100 issues of IDW TMNT comic series, has joined the team as narrative consultant. This will help give Empire City the story, tone, and heart that the fans of TMNT comics have come to expect.
“As much as the Turtles are about action, their story is even more about family,” said Ace St. Germain, Beyond Frames Entertainment CEO and Creative Director on Empire City. “Their strength comes from their bond, and this is something that resonates deeply with fans. Tom Waltz is one of the best-loved minds in the TMNT creatorverse today, and his stories over the last decade have helped to shine a light on that bond. We couldn’t be more excited to have him involved in the project.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City Launch Details
As far as the launch plans for TMNT: Empire City go, there’s some waiting to do. The game will emerge from the sewers to debut on headsets in 2026. Currently its confirmed for both Meta Quest and PCVR, via SteamVR. There’s no word on a PSVR 2 version of the game.
Are you excited by the prospect of Cortopia Studios bringing their VR action chops to the TMNT universe? Let us know in the comments below!
