Now here is something hilarious. Earlier today, Enhance released Tetris Effect exclusively on the Epic Games Store. However, and due to SteamVR that the game uses, Tetris Effect VR requires Steam in order to launch.

Basically, a game that is exclusive on one store requires the client of another store for which it’s not available for purchase, otherwise it cannot run. Now this is truly awesome.

As said, Tetris Effect uses SteamVR, however its developers could very well opt to use a version of SteamVR that does not require Steam in order to run. I mean, that would be the common thing to do. Instead, the game uses SteamVR and requires Steam to run.

With the exception of this, the PC version of Tetris Effect appears to be a pretty solid PC game. The game supports resolutions of 4K or more, has uncapped framerates (if Vsync is disabled), and includes ultra-wide monitor support as well as other expanded game and graphical options for both 2D and VR play (including adjustable particle volume and size, texture filtering, and more).

Still, I can only laugh at the Steam requirement for running Tetris Effect VR, especially since the game is not available for purchase on it. It’s hilarious, no matter how you look at it.

UPDATE:

Epic Games got in touch with us and shared some additional details. As we’ve already made it crystal clear in our Featured Comment, the 2D version of Tetris Effect does not require Steam. However, Tetris Effect VR does require SteamVR for both HTC Vive and Oculus.

“Hi John, I hope that you’re doing well. I came across your article on Tetris Effect VR and I wanted to share the correct relevant information with you so that your readers are correctly informed. Tetris Effect itself does not require steam to run. However, Tetris Effect VR does require require SteamVR, both on HTC Vive and Oculus. You can find full details on the Tetris Effect’s Epic Game store FAQ.”

UPDATE 2:

Enhance has shared some more details about Tetris Effect VR, stating that the game does not require SteamVR for playing on the Oculus Rift (it makes sense as it uses Oculus VR and not SteamVR).

Just to clarify re:Tetris Effect PC & VR SDKs:

1. To play in (optional) VR, you can launch via SteamVR (not Steam) for Vive (& some other HMDs that work w OpenVR API), -OR- Oculus VR for those HMD

2. Tetris Effect is VR optional, you can play in 2D w no res or framerate limit! ? — Enhance (@enhance_exp) July 25, 2019