Info about Contractors:

Official game description:
Wishlist Contractors Showdown!
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About the Game
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**Improved UGC mod support is here!**  
Community content creators will be able to create custom loadout and gamemodes with our newest modkit!  
**Contractors** is a team-based competitive multiplayer shooter game for virtual reality headsets. Experience the next level virtual warfare with hardcore controls, lethal weapons, customizable load-outs, and intense firefights.  
**Contractors** features:  
Exhilarating multiplayer experience.  
Zombie and normal survival mode with up to 4 players.  
**\* Co-op missions with up to 4 players.**  
**\* Immersive full body IK system.**  
\* **Mod support** with community created map, loadout and game mode!  
\* Realistic weapon handling.  
\* Slick sliding movement.  
\* Objective-based game mode.  
\* Challenging AI on both **singleplayer** and **multiplayer**.  
\* Customizable weapon load-out system with different weapons and gadgets.  
\* A shooting range serves as a hub area with tons of activities.  
\* Virtual Gunstock and Physical Gunstock support.  
\* Offline free-roam against bots.  
\* Spatial voice chat.  
\* **Gunstock calibration tool**.  
BECOME AN OPERATOR and join the fight.  
Available for Arcades on SpringboardVR

Release date: Dec 14, 2018

Categories: Virtual Reality, First-Person Shooter, Competitive Multiplayer, Cooperative Multiplayer, Weapon Customization, Mod Support, Horde Survival, Single-player


- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The Windows <8GB VRAM cohort has only one included report, and it is recommended despite a warning about frame generation and server drops. The Windows 8-11GB VRAM cohort is clearly negative, with both included reports citing poor optimization, bad controls, and disappointing FPS modes.
  - Sample size: 33 (14% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 12 reports): The sole included report is recommended, though it warns against using frame generation because of apparent server drops.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 11 reports): Both included reports are negative, citing awful optimization, abysmal controls, and poor FPS game modes.
  - Caveats: 33 of 238 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews anchor the game's value at around $20, with one reviewer explicitly saying $20 is worth it. However, multiple others recommend buying only on sale or describe it as cheap, and one says the base game is weak unless mods are considered. This points to a fair base-game range below the $20 ceiling, roughly $10-$20, with sale pricing strongly favored by the community.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 434.0h
  - Reasoning: The only explicit playtime figure tied to the target game is 434 hours of gameplay. Because Contractors has no stated story or completion endpoint in the evidence, this is best treated as long-term/endgame playtime rather than gameCompletion or storyCompletion. The 15-minute reference is matchmaking/server-mod waiting, not session length, and no other quote gives a supported session length or completion time.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is described as needing some onboarding before it becomes rewarding: its learning curve and control complexity create early friction, while mission/tutorial practice and progression lead to mastery. Reports conflict because some players praise gunplay and mods immediately, while others describe dead multiplayer.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Building progression and mastery through learning the controls and completing mission/tutorial play
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Overwhelming commands and weapon reloads; Sparse multiplayer population; Experienced-player lobbies can make multiplayer harder for newcomers
  - Unlock drivers: Persistence through the learning curve; Treating missions as a tutorial before online play; Becoming familiar with commands and weapon reloads; Playing multiplayer with other people when lobbies are suitable; Developing a sense of progression and mastery
  - Conditions: Willingness to invest time in learning the game's systems; Playing with friends; Completing missions or tutorial content before online play; Server population and ability to find matches; Encountering suitable lobbies rather than experienced-player stomps; Availability and use of mods such as COD Zombies; Community behavior and map variety
- Player Archetypes:
  - Mod-Driven VR Sandbox Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Community mods and custom content that extend the game beyond vanilla modes.
    - Playstyle: Plays modded custom modes, zombie maps, and quick PvP rounds rather than vanilla-only multiplayer.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Call of Duty: Black Ops III; Team Fortress 2; Star Wars: Battlefront
  - Tactical Competitive VR Shooter Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Competitive mastery through realistic weapon handling, positioning, and teamwork.
    - Playstyle: Competitive PvP with manual reloading, deliberate movement, and squad coordination.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Co-op Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxed practice and low-pressure access to VR gunplay.
    - Playstyle: Single-player and co-op against AI, easy missions, and zombies or bots.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disillusioned PCVR Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Sustained, supported PCVR multiplayer with working matchmaking and technical reliability.
    - Playstyle: Long-session PCVR multiplayer with heavy troubleshooting and configuration work.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: EXFIL


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Extensive modding support (weight 0.49): Mods are consistently praised as the game's strongest feature, with a large and excellent modding community. Players note easy, user-friendly modding that greatly enhances the experience.
- Call of Duty zombies in VR (weight 0.38): A major draw is the ability to play classic COD zombies maps in VR, often described as a near 1-to-1 experience. Mods add many COD-style maps and modes, which players find highly enjoyable.
- Top-tier VR shooter (weight 0.22): Reviewers widely consider this the best VR shooter available, citing excellent gun feel and overall quality. It meets and exceeds expectations for the genre.
- Overall positive gameplay (weight 0.17): General feedback indicates the game is fine, cool, and genuinely fun. These sentiments reflect broad satisfaction with the core experience.
- Mods are worth buying (weight 0.14): Many players state that the mods alone justify purchasing the game. Mod compatibility is frequently cited as a primary reason to buy.
- Fun with friends (weight 0.14): The game is best enjoyed with friends, who help keep the experience engaging. Playing together is a commonly highlighted source of fun.
- Customizable loadouts (weight 0.07): Players appreciate customizable loadouts, including WW2-style options. This feature adds depth and personalization to the gameplay.

Common complaints:
- Servers and online unplayable (weight 0.65): Players report frequent disconnects, inability to connect even with a VPN, and servers that are often empty or broken. Many matches fail to start or are plagued by poor performance.
- Developers abandoned the game (weight 0.49): Multiple reviewers state that the game has been abandoned and receives no meaningful updates or support. This is reinforced by the developers focusing on their new battle royale game EXFIL instead.
- Crashes and startup failures (weight 0.46): The game frequently crashes on startup, freezes at the logo, or fails to launch entirely, especially on PCVR. Some crashes are linked to mod downloads or compatibility issues.
- Toxic and unwelcoming community (weight 0.38): The community is described as full of rude, racist, and toxic players, with new players facing hostility and a lack of reporting tools. Blocking and muting are ineffective.
- Unbalanced and unrealistic combat (weight 0.32): Combat is often described as unrealistic, with players one-shotting with knives, spongy enemies, and recoil that feels wrong. The skill gap is high, with tryhards dominating.
- Modding issues and incompatibility (weight 0.31): Mods often break the game, cause crashes, or are difficult to manage. The modding community is dying, and mod support is criticized as horrible.
- Lack of content and features (weight 0.26): The game is seen as incomplete, with few features, limited maps, and a boring single-player mode. Many basic features are missing or poorly implemented.
- Buggy and janky gameplay (weight 0.24): The game is riddled with bugs, from weapons despawning to getting stuck in textures. Many bugs persist despite reports.
- Clunky controls and movement (weight 0.21): Controls are often called unresponsive and awkward, with movement feeling floaty or unrealistic. VR mechanics like slow peeking and two-handed aiming are ineffective against fast-paced players.
- Cheating and no anti-cheat (weight 0.18): Cheaters are common, using aimbots, ESP, and other exploits, with no effective anti-cheat or reporting system. Players lack confidence that cheating is being addressed.
- Base game is mediocre (weight 0.17): The base game experience is considered average or awful by many, with poor gunplay and a lack of polish. Some say it's only kept alive by mods.
- Steep learning curve for newcomers (weight 0.14): The game is difficult at first, with a high skill gap and realism that can intimidate newcomers. Experienced players dominate, making it hard for new players to enjoy.
- Poor graphics and optimization (weight 0.14): Graphics are criticized as bad even on ultra settings, and the game suffers from bad optimization, leading to poor performance and low frame rates.
- Long wait times and mod downloads (weight 0.13): Joining a server often requires waiting for mods to download, which can take 15 minutes or more. Matchmaking itself can also take over 15 minutes.
- Microphone and voice chat problems (weight 0.12): Voice chat frequently fails, microphone selection doesn't work, and the Vivox audio system fails to recognize devices. This hinders communication.
- Spawn camping and predictable respawns (weight 0.1): Respawns are predictable, allowing opponents to camp and kill players immediately. Spawn points can be terrible, leading to unfair deaths.
- Unfair kicks and moderation (weight 0.07):  Players are often kicked from servers for unclear reasons, and vote-kicking is abused. Moderation is seen as ineffective.
- Frame generation causes kicks (weight 0.04): Using frame generation reportedly kicks players from servers, adding to technical woes.
- bHaptics support broken (weight 0.04): bHaptics sleeves stopped working after recent updates, and support requests have been ignored.

Gameplay feedback:
- Extensive mod support (weight 0.5): The game prominently supports community mods, including an in-game mod manager and server-side mod downloads. Mods add maps, modes, weapons, and entire overhauls.
- VR COD Zombies mode (weight 0.32): Players highlight a VR mode featuring Call of Duty zombies content, including wonder weapons and classic maps. This is a major draw for VR shooter fans.
- VR shooter gameplay (weight 0.3): Core gameplay is a VR shooter with aiming mechanics, gun handling, and movement similar to Call of Duty. It supports both vanilla and modded servers.
- Multiplayer and singleplayer modes (weight 0.28): The game offers both online multiplayer and offline singleplayer experiences. Competitive matches and AI opponents are available.
- Mods add iconic game content (weight 0.25): Mods allow playing experiences from Halo, Call of Duty, Team Fortress 2, Battlefront, and more. Specific mods include MW2 Remastered and BO3 multiplayer maps like Nuketown.
- Lobby-based multiplayer (weight 0.12): Online multiplayer uses player lobbies for matchmaking. Matches are organized through these lobbies.
- In-game voice chat (weight 0.11): The game includes in-game voice communications powered by Vivox, with microphone device options. This facilitates team coordination.
- Cross-platform play (weight 0.08): Crossplay is supported, allowing PC users to play with others across platforms. This expands the player pool.
- Bots in matches (weight 0.07): The game features bots, likely for offline or cooperative modes. This helps populate matches and practice.
- Play with friends (weight 0.07): The game is designed around playing together with friends, supporting cooperative experiences. This enhances social gameplay.
- Online servers with population (weight 0.07): The game has online servers with an active player population. This ensures multiplayer matches are readily available.
- Customizable loadouts (weight 0.07): Players can customize loadouts with weapons, optics, grips, and tactical equipment. This adds depth to multiplayer strategy.

Performance notes:
- Startup crashes and boot failures (weight 0.24): Multiple players report the game crashing on startup or failing to boot entirely, with some cases worsening after verifying files or involving memory spikes. Mod installations at startup also cause hangs or crashes.
- Poor PC and VR optimization (weight 0.19): Feedback highlights bad optimization, with low frame rates and unplayable performance on hardware like Valve Index, and requirements like 8GB VRAM regardless of GPU. Some note performance far worse than comparable VR titles.
- Mixed VR platform compatibility (weight 0.16): SteamVR and OpenXR stop working entirely in some cases, while Meta Quest 2 works fine for some but fails through PCVR for others. Meta Quest Link with Meta as OpenXR runtime only worked temporarily.
- Server reliability and performance issues (weight 0.14): Servers are described as atrocious and unacceptable, with many matches failing to work and requiring a VPN in some cases. High ping causes teleporting players and inconsistent firefights.
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.11): Players report frequent crashes and freezing, with a powerful computer needed to avoid issues. Crashes also occur when entering a lobby on PSVR2.
- Runs well on some setups (weight 0.11): Despite widespread issues, some players report the game runs really well, including on budget setups reaching 120fps on low and 80fps on high settings. Others find it surprisingly well optimized compared to many VR shooters.
- Runs fine from HDD (weight 0.04): One player notes the game runs fine using an HDD, suggesting storage type may not be a bottleneck for some configurations.

Recommendations:
- Strong VR shooter recommendation (weight 0.27): Many reviewers highly recommend the game as a top VR shooter and a must-have for VR headset owners. It is described as the best purchase VR players can make and encouraged for both new and experienced users.
- Mixed overall recommendations (weight 0.22): Opinions are split: some reviewers do not recommend the game in general or advise against buying it, while others encourage trying it. The feedback includes both positive and negative stances.
- Good value for price (weight 0.2): Several reviewers consider the game worth the asking price and a good purchase for what it offers. Some note the price is not very high relative to the content.
- Essential for Team Fortress 2 VR (weight 0.17): Reviewers strongly recommend the game specifically for its Team Fortress 2 VR mod, calling it the best way to play TF2 in VR since the official implementation no longer works. Many say it is worth buying just for this mod.
- Lack of updates and support (weight 0.16): Some reviewers cannot recommend the game due to the lack of updates and ongoing support, describing it as abandoned or a dead game. They advise waiting for a sale or avoiding it unless you are okay with no future content.
- Beginner-friendly with easy mode (weight 0.12): New players are advised to start with single-player mode on Easy and to persevere through initial difficulty. The game is considered suitable for beginners and those new to VR shooters.
- Best with friends (weight 0.11): Multiple reviewers recommend buying the game only if you have friends to play with, as the experience is much better in a group. Playing solo is less enjoyable according to these users.
- PCVR version has runtime issues (weight 0.1): A reviewer cannot recommend the PCVR version until runtime issues are fixed or acknowledged, and suggests buying the standalone Quest version instead. This points to technical problems specific to the PCVR platform.
- Alternatives suggested instead (weight 0.1): Some reviewers suggest saving your money and buying other titles like Forefront VR, Contractors Showdown, Zero Caliber 2, or Onward instead. They believe those games offer a better or more modern experience.
- Not for standard shooter fans (weight 0.08): Reviewers warn that the game is not recommended for those seeking a standard PvP shooter experience, with some suggesting alternatives like VRChat custom worlds. The base game may not satisfy players looking for a typical competitive shooter.
- Immersive and realistic FPS experience (weight 0.07): Reviewers recommend the game for players seeking an immersive and dynamic FPS experience similar to Call of Duty. It offers a solid realistic feel that appeals to fans of military shooters.
- Toxic lobbies and mute button (weight 0.04): One reviewer notes that lobbies often contain abusive, racist, and toxic people, making the mute button very handy. This highlights a community behavior issue that players should be prepared for.
- Good for VR enthusiasts learning systems (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for VR enthusiasts who are willing to invest time into learning its systems, suggesting a learning curve but rewarding depth for dedicated players.
- PSVR2 compatibility recommended (weight 0.04): One reviewer specifically recommends the game if you use a PSVR2 headset, indicating good compatibility or performance on that platform.

Other player notes:
- Mods Are the Main Draw (weight 0.32): Players consistently say community-made mods carry the game's appeal and longevity, significantly extending content and variety. Mods are described as the primary reason to play.
- Favorable Comparison to Pavlov (weight 0.27): Reviewers frequently compare the game favorably to Pavlov, citing better recoil control, more realistic gun feel, and better mod content. Some mention Pavlov's decline or toxic community as reasons for switching.
- Positive Gun Feel and Realism (weight 0.18): Reviewers praise the gun feel and realistic tactical gameplay, comparing it favorably to Onward, VAIL, and other VR shooters. It fills a void for realistic VR shooters.
- Low Player Population (weight 0.16): The playerbase is reported to be low and declining over time, which affects community context and online play. Some attribute this to developers not promoting the game.
- Supports Halo, Battlefront, and Other Mods (weight 0.16): Beyond COD and TF2, the game supports mods for Halo, Star Wars: Battlefront, and Warhammer 40k, among others. These mods add significant content variety.
- Supports Meta Quest and PSVR2 (weight 0.12): The game runs on Meta Quest 2 and PSVR2, making it accessible on standalone and console VR platforms. This is noted as a positive for platform availability.
- Team Fortress 2 Mod Inspiration (weight 0.09): The game's TF2 mod is inspired by Team Fortress 2, and the reviewer likes that. The mod allows playing TF2 in VR, which is a unique feature.
- Modding Community Is Shrinking (weight 0.08): Some reviewers note that the modding community is shrinking, and popular mods like Clone Wars are slowly dying and barely updated. This threatens the game's longevity.
- VPN Required for Online Play (weight 0.07): Some players mention that a VPN is necessary to play online, likely due to server or regional restrictions. This affects accessibility for some users.
- Compared to H3VR and Others (weight 0.07): Some reviewers compare the game unfavorably to H3VR and Zero Caliber 2, recommending those instead. These comparisons highlight areas where the game falls short for some players.
- Prioritizes Clarity Over Spectacle (weight 0.06): The game prioritizes clarity and performance over sheer visual spectacle, and graphical fidelity may not match the most visually extravagant VR titles. This trade-off is noted by some reviewers.
- Domestic Studio Support (weight 0.05): One reviewer bought three copies to support a domestic studio and praises the game's inspiring creation story. This highlights positive sentiment toward the developer's background.
- Copyright Concerns for Mods (weight 0.04): Some mod content may be removed due to copyright concerns, which could affect the availability of popular mods. This is a potential risk for mod-dependent players.
- Star Wars Mod Lobbies Dominate (weight 0.04): Community servers are dominated by large-scale Star Wars mod lobbies, indicating the popularity of that specific mod. This shapes the online experience.
- Not Yet Version 1.0 (weight 0.04): The game is not yet version 1.0, indicating it is still in development or early access. This may affect expectations for polish and stability.
- VR Industry Recession Concerns (weight 0.04): One reviewer fears the game and VR as a whole are in a recession, reflecting broader concerns about the VR market. This is a niche but notable perspective.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.28): Players are frustrated by persistent technical issues including crashes, broken multiplayer, server instability, and unresolved bugs. Poor moderation, cheating, toxic players, and a steep learning curve with tryhard opponents further compound the frustration. The lack of updates and abandoned state of the game make the experience feel wasted.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): Disappointment stems primarily from the game being abandoned by its developers, with no updates for extended periods and a shift of focus to other projects. Players expected a polished experience but found incomplete features, unplayable modes, empty servers, and unresolved issues like pay-to-win mechanics and poor performance. The game's unfulfilled potential is a major source of letdown.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.11): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's extensive modding community, which enables experiences like playing Team Fortress 2 and Call of Duty Zombies in VR. The strong mod support, satisfying gunplay, and diverse content keep players excited and engaged.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from mastering the game's combat, enjoying realistic gunplay, and the wide array of mods that add replayability. Positive match experiences and the ability to play familiar maps in VR contribute to a rewarding feel.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement centers on playing iconic Call of Duty maps and modes like Zombies and multiplayer in VR, often through mods. The ability to experience classic content with working mechanics and customization fuels anticipation and thrill.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment arises from smooth controls, good optimization, and fun casual gameplay, especially when playing with friends. The game feels solid and entertaining when technical issues are absent.
- Sadness (weight 0.03): Sadness is felt over the game's abandoned state and its unfulfilled potential as a top VR FPS. The low player count and toxic community interactions also contribute to a sense of loss.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by poor optimization, gatekeeping by mod makers, and gameplay spam tactics. Technical hurdles like requiring a VPN to function add to the irritation.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement comes from the absurdity of mods, playful trash-talking, and the fantasy of real-time destruction. These elements provide lighthearted entertainment.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is for the game's strong modding community and surprisingly good optimization. Mods that enhance the experience with new content are highly valued.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love is expressed for the game's moddability, the available zombie maps and modes, and the overall community and gunplay. These aspects create a deep fondness for the experience.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger stems from multiplayer connection failures even with a VPN, toxic players, and unfair gameplay advantages like tryhards and unrealistic movements. The inability to enjoy a purchased game as intended fuels rage.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise is felt when discovering that modded Call of Duty zombie maps are playable in VR and that modern warfare weapons are available. The developers' abandonment of an incomplete game also comes as a shock.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Fun is derived from simply playing the game, enjoying its modding capabilities, and sharing the experience with friends.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from the game's high quality yet low popularity, and from difficulties in understanding how to play or why it is so popular.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is triggered by racist behavior, unfair one-shot knife kills, and overall poor optimization and controls. These elements create a repulsive experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is felt for the game's past fun and peak Pavlov VR days, contrasting with its current state.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is for the low player base and the steep learning curve that may deter new players, threatening the game's longevity.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction comes from mediocre gunplay, perceived overpricing, and server issues that require a VPN. The limited number of servers also contributes.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is for the seamless built-in modding system and the broad FPS content it enables, keeping the game fresh.}