Oops! Updates that enhance games for Quest 3 are also increasing file size for the Quest 2
Like that story we shared with you about Red Matter 2 and how the devs pushed an update, which leverages the Quest 3’s power in order to set a new standard for VR graphics.
But the coolest part about this is that the game didn’t become exclusive for the new hardware or anything. Some minor differences could be seen on older headsets like the Quest 2, but it remained completely playable and essentially backwards compatible.But, let’s not forget: the update did revamp the textures. So now, the game’s file size is bigger than before, even on Quest 2. Oops?
Okay, so, before we proceed, let’s explain how that happens. Essentially, when a dev wants to improve the quality of some textures, they basically just replace the old files with new ones of a higher resolution. And as is with the photos you take on your phone: the higher the quality of an image, the bigger it becomes in size.
And that’s basically what has happened to some titles like:- Red Matter 2 (5.6 GB to 9.1 GB)
- Espire 2 (5.6 GB to 9.1 GB)
- Cyborn BV (5.19 GB to 82 GB)
But here’s the thing: the Quest 2 can’t display those bigger textures, so why is the game’s file size impacted?
Meta hasn’t responded, but Vertical Robot — the devs behind Red Matter — and Guy Godin, who is the man behind Virtual Desktop, have confirmed that right now, there is no way to provide separate install packages for different headsets on Meta’s platform.
And that, in 2023, is just silly. I mean, if the Steam Deck can actually reach into my game’s files and cut away at the ones that it knows that I don’t need in order to save me some space, then Meta can surely implement something similar.
After all, compartmentalized installers aren’t anything new. A lot of games even allow you to pick your preferred asset quality and language packs, so that the installer can literally ignore everything else and save you a lot of space in the process.Meta did this cool thing with the jump from Quest 1 to Quest 2, where users could select different builds of a game when installing. Back in January, UploadVR had managed to get a confirmation from Meta that this will be the case with the jump to Quest 3 too, but alas.
So, basically, for the time being: there isn’t a solution yet. But if Meta wants to keep its customers happy, a fix should be introduced soon, because forcing someone to install textures that they can’t take advantage of is a form of new-age cruelty that I simply can’t get behind.
Well, if you're...
... One of the lucky people with a Quest 3 already in their hands, you don't need to worry about file size, but about what games to get instead, so make sure to check this out: The Best Games to get for the Quest 3! View Full BioStan, also known as Stako, is a smartphone enthusiast who loves exploring the limits of Android customization. His journey with mobile tech began with the Nokia 5110 and evolved with devices like the BlackBerry 9350 Curve and Samsung Galaxy A4. Despite his love for Android, he holds equal respect for Apple, considering the iPhone 4s as a significant milestone in mobile tech. Stan started his writing career early, contributing to MetalWorld, and harbors a passion for creative writing. Beyond smartphones, he's interested in photography, design, composition, and gaming, often preferring solo projects to hone his objective thinking. He's also an avid student of open-source technology and consoles, with a special fondness for the Pebble Watch, Arduboy, and Playdate.
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