Step Into the Spotlight: Songbird, the Ultimate VR Karaoke Adventure, Launches on Meta Quest
Whether you’re harmonising in the shower or belting it out on stage, there’s something magical about singing your heart out. Songbird, launching today on Meta Quest, lets you turn any space into your personal karaoke stage, immersing you in the vibrant world of Nestopia.
With settings ranging from scenic boardwalks to majestic mountain vistas, Songbird offers a karaoke experience like no other. Whether you’re a casual singer or an aspiring vocal powerhouse, this VR title promises fun for everyone—and even offers tools to sharpen your vocal skills as you chase high notes and higher scores.
META spoke with Lennon Lange, Lead Designer and Senior Producer at Always Blue Games, to learn more about Songbird’s creation and what makes it a groundbreaking entry in VR karaoke gaming.
The Journey to Songbird
Always Blue Games has a history of creating iconic music games. How did that influence Songbird?
Lennon Lange:
“Our experience with games like Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution Party shaped Songbird. With Guitar Hero, for example, we focused on making the music fun and playable above all else.
For Songbird, we took the same approach. Each of the 33 launch tracks was chosen for its joy factor, encouraging players to sing in new ways and improve their skills. We want Songbird to inspire players to discover the unique thrill of singing and even become better singers in real life.”
Why Bring Karaoke to VR?
What makes VR the perfect medium for a game like Songbird?
LL:
“VR lets players escape reality and enter a judgment-free space where they can truly let go and sing. With Songbird, we wanted to create a warm and inviting world—filled with color and supportive critters—to make even the shyest singers feel comfortable.
The built-in microphone on the Meta Quest was also a game-changer. It removes the need for peripherals, allowing players to hum softly or belt out tunes, depending on their mood. The seamless, fully-contained experience is something only VR can provide.”
Teaching Players to Sing
How does Songbird help players improve their vocal skills?
LL:
“Singing is like exercising a muscle—it takes practice to get better. Songbird includes tools like Rehearsal Mode, where players can break down songs into sections and practice challenging parts repeatedly.
We also have a warm-up song that teaches vocal scales, a technique used in professional singing lessons. These features ensure that players of all levels can hone their skills while having fun.”
Crafting the Perfect Tracklist
What makes a song great for a karaoke game, and how did you pick the tracks for Songbird?
LL:
“In music games, songs are the levels, so we approached them with a mix of difficulty, genre variety, and, most importantly, fun.
The 33 launch tracks include a range of genres—pop, rock, and even opera—so there’s something for everyone. The goal was to create a musical journey, offering songs that challenge players while also delivering moments they’ll never forget.”
The World of Nestopia
What role does the setting of Nestopia play in the game?
LL:
“Nestopia is a vibrant fantasy world designed to make players feel at ease while performing. It’s filled with beautiful environments and friendly critters who cheer you on.
These critters are like emotional support animals, performing alongside you to make the experience less intimidating. There are also playful characters like the Cosmopuffs, little aliens that add bonuses or fun challenges during your performance.”
Interactive Features
What are the interactive elements like catchables and dancing, and how do they enhance the gameplay?
LL:
“Catchables are hand-placed rhythm-based items you can grab while singing. They add a physical, interactive layer to the gameplay, making the VR experience even more engaging.
Catchables can boost your score or earn Golden Notes, which act as in-game currency for unlocking new microphones. For purists, the feature can be turned off for a classic karaoke vibe.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Songbird?
LL:
“We’re planning monthly DLC song packs to expand the tracklist, along with free updates to keep the game fresh. Our ultimate goal is to make Songbird the best karaoke experience ever.
We also want to involve the community—player feedback will guide our DLC selections, helping us add both fan-favorite hits and hidden gems.”
Sing Your Heart Out Today
Songbird is available now in the Meta Horizon Store for the Meta Quest platform. With its immersive world, intuitive features, and exciting tracklist, it’s the ultimate way to unleash your inner star.
Grab your headset, warm up those vocal cords, and dive into Nestopia—because everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight!