Automa is a story-driven action-adventure in VR that centers on exploration, believable physics, intuitive interactions, and emergent, player-driven moments.

Early testing on Quest 3 runs at a solid frame rate, featuring immersive world-building and moments like interacting with animals such as a cat and a monkey.

The near-future Southeast Asian city setting centers on fears of AI misalignment, with the player making a desperate deal to protect their family and confronting the costs and future demands.

A trailer from the UploadVR Showcase showcases Quest 3 gameplay, including gravity gloves, interactive objects, and environmental details like openable drawers, cabinets, and doors.

Automa’s atmosphere evokes a City 17-inspired vibe, with nuanced ambient interactions such as liquid in bottles reacting when shaken to boost immersion.

Phosphor plans a 2026 release and invites players to wishlist Automa on PlayStation VR2, Quest 2 and 3, and Steam, while urging community involvement via Discord to influence development.

Automa is a new VR title from Phosphor Games, creators of The Brookhaven Experiment, aiming for Half-Life: Alyx-level immersion in a standalone experience.

Its positioning against Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx raises questions about whether Automa can meet high expectations for physics, atmosphere, and interactivity in a standalone VR title.