Your Time in the Ring Has Come: ‘The Thrill of the Fight 2’ Lands on Meta Quest with Multiplayer Early Access
The gloves are laced, the sweat is real, and the bell is about to ring. You’ve trained hard—jogging through rain-soaked streets, perfecting uppercuts on sides of beef, and running endless stairs. Now it’s time to prove yourself in the ring. Enter The Thrill of the Fight 2, the highly anticipated sequel to one of VR’s most intense and exhilarating boxing games, now available in multiplayer early access on Meta Quest.
Meta sat down with Ian Fitz, creator of the original game and creative director of the sequel, to discuss the journey of bringing The Thrill of the Fight 2 to life and what fans can expect.
A Passion Project Turned Phenomenon
How has the journey been, seeing fans’ love for the first game and building the sequel?
Ian Fitz:
“I started the first game as a hobby, never imagining it would become my career. The support from fans has been amazing and humbling. It’s a huge honor to have the chance to build a sequel and expand on what made the original so special.”
Building the Sequel: What’s New?
Creating a follow-up to a beloved VR game is no small task. How do you improve on a fan-favorite?
IF:
“Our goal has been to build on the magic of the original while improving every aspect of the experience. The scope remains simple: bring real-world boxing into VR. The challenge lies in nailing the details, like more realistic physics, accurately simulating body movements, improving force and damage calculations, and introducing customisation options for avatars.
And of course, multiplayer was a huge focus for us. We’re working to create the most authentic and engaging boxing experience possible, now with a social edge.”
Inspiration Behind the Fight
What inspired you to create The Thrill of the Fight series?
IF:
“The inspiration has always been to make the most realistic boxing game ever. For the sequel, we wanted players to feel like they’d stepped into a real boxing gym, tied on gloves, and stepped into the ring. Every detail—from the gameplay to the sound design—is about faithfully recreating the sport.
The personal journey players take within the game is central. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fan, we want everyone to feel the thrill of improving their skills and testing themselves in the ring.”
Multiplayer: A Game-Changer for VR Boxing
The addition of multiplayer is a major milestone. How is fan feedback shaping its development?
IF:
“We want The Thrill of the Fight 2 to set the standard for VR boxing for years to come. Early access lets us gather valuable player feedback to refine features and prioritize polish. Multiplayer is especially exciting, and we’re aiming for a responsive, enjoyable experience—even for players across the globe.
Building multiplayer was a massive technical challenge, but our commitment was clear: the experience had to be solid from day one. With Halfbrick’s team in Australia and me in the USA, testing across long distances was baked into the process.”
Advice for First-Time Fighters
What would you say to new players stepping into the ring for the first time?
IF:
“Take it slow and focus on strategy. Don’t just throw punches—think about your movements, your positioning, and your timing. Real-world boxing advice applies here, so look up tips or even consider visiting a local gym to get some hands-on experience. It’s about pacing and precision, not just raw power.”
Stay Connected
Where can fans learn more about the game and its development?
IF:
“Join our community on Discord to stay up-to-date on development and share feedback. You can also check out our development roadmap online or visit Halfbrick’s website to explore more of what we’re working on.”
Step Into the Ring Today
The Thrill of the Fight 2 is still in early access, but you can jump into multiplayer right now on Meta Quest. Whether you’re a seasoned boxer or a VR rookie, this reimagined sequel delivers an intense, action-packed experience that brings the ring to life.
Grab your copy on the Meta Horizon Store, and if you’re new to the series, check out the original The Thrill of the Fight to get a taste of the action. The bell is ringing—are you ready?