Vertigo Games, Creator of ‘Metro Awakening,’ Sells SpringboardVR, Its VR Arcade Content Platform

Vertigo Games, the creative force behind hits like the Arizona Sunshine series and the 2024 favorite Metro Awakening, has announced a notable shift involving its VR platform operations. They’ve decided to sell off SpringboardVR, a key player in the location-based entertainment (LBE) VR content distribution industry.

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games had acquired SpringboardVR with great optimism for the platform’s role in pushing the boundaries of VR immersion and growth. Fast forward to now, and the reins have been passed to SynthesisVR, a leading name in virtual reality management software. This acquisition is set to take root on February 1st, 2025, though the financial details remain undisclosed.

In a shared statement, both companies highlighted the acquisition as a significant step for the industry, providing a robust foundation for the evolution of VR arcades. They emphasized that both SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR would continue to operate independently, ensuring seamless business functions while their amalgamation under Deploy Reality enriches the location-based VR ecosystem. The partnership is aimed at offering VR arcade operators enhanced options and cutting-edge resources, which should propel the growth and success of VR arcades globally.

Originating from the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has garnered a reputation for delivering compelling VR experiences. Their portfolio boasts not only the Metro Awakening and a series of Arizona Sunshine titles but also location-based entries like Space Pirate Trainer and multiplayer hits such as Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Despite the transition, Vertigo Games reassures its continued dedication to the LBE VR landscape, standing firm in alliance with SynthesisVR. They remain committed to crafting VR content that caters to arcade-goers as well as at-home users. Richard Stitselaar, the CEO of Vertigo Games, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter. He highlighted a strategy focused on innovative content creation, leaving platform enhancements in the capable hands of SynthesisVR. This approach aims to furnish operators and developers with more ingenious and adaptable solutions, enhancing the audience’s immersive entertainment experience.

The announcement comes amid a backdrop of economic challenges affecting the gaming industry. Recently, several VR studios, including Sweden’s Fast Travel Games and Soul Assembly, have faced layoffs. Similarly, economic strains in the latter part of last year led to job cuts at nDreams, recognized for their work on titles like Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, and XR Games, developers of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded.

Adding to the industry’s turbulence, the Canadian studio Archiact and social VR platform VRChat have also experienced staffing reductions. The ongoing economic pressures have undeniably impacted a wide spectrum of VR developers, reflecting the broader challenges within the gaming world.