Ep. 44 - Why "The Thrill of the Fight 2" Hits Different
From Dr. VR by Justin Baillargeon, Ph.D
December 11, 2025 · 52 min · Season 1 · Episode 44
About this episode
This episode features a deep dive into the making of 'The Thrill of the Fight 2' with Creative Director Edward Vasquez, exploring its innovations and challenges in VR boxing.
"The Thrill of the Fight" is unquestionably one of the most iconic and authentic VR experiences ever created. Now, with "The Thrill of the Fight 2," the franchise is entering a bold new chapter. In this episode, I dive deep into the making of TOTF2 with Creative Director Edward Vasquez, exploring how the video game company Halfbrick is evolving the raw, room-scale intensity of the original, fully developed by the one-man-army Ian Fitz, while introducing multiplayer, a full career mode, smarter AI, and a stronger sense of presence and narrative. Edward shares his personal story of falling in love with boxing, the moment VR “clicked” for him, the challenges of designing real-time multiplayer combat, and why the version of TOTF2 available today represents only 10–15% of their full vision. We also break down embodiment, agency, player freedom, and what it means to design a VR experience that truly makes you feel inside the fight. Whether you're a longtime fan of TOTF, a VR developer, or someone curious about the future of immersive sports, this conversation delivers exclusive insights, big reveals, and an inspiring look at where VR boxing is headed.
People in this episode
Host: Justin Baillargeon
Guest: Edward Vasquez
Topics covered
- virtual reality
- game development
- boxing
- multiplayer gaming
- immersive experiences
- player agency
Keywords
- VR boxing
- The Thrill of the Fight 2
- game design
- multiplayer
- AI
- player freedom
- embodiment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Halfbrick
Products: The Thrill of the Fight, The Thrill of the Fight 2
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