Vertigo Games, the talented minds behind the beloved Arizona Sunshine series and the 2024 hit Metro Awakening, has decided to part ways with SpringboardVR, a VR content distribution platform dedicated to location-based entertainment. The gaming studio acquired SpringboardVR back in 2021, expressing excitement about steering it towards growth in the virtual reality realm. Fast forward to now, and SynthesisVR, a leader in management software for LBE virtual reality, has snapped up SpringboardVR for a confidential amount. If you’re wondering when this deal kicks in, it’s all set for February 1st, 2025.
Reflecting on the acquisition, the companies shared their optimism, stating, “This acquisition bolsters the industry by laying a solid ground for arcade operators and developers alike, paving the way for continuous innovation and growth in VR’s upcoming era.” They assured that both platforms—SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR—will keep running smoothly and independently. Meanwhile, their unified backing under Deploy Reality underscores a deep commitment to location-based VR, essentially broadening the resources and options for operators and fueling the global success of VR arcades.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has made quite a splash in the VR world. They’ve built a solid reputation with sought-after titles like Metro Awakening and the revamped Arizona Sunshine games, along with their 2023 sequel. Their portfolio extends to location-based entertainment versions of Arizona Sunshine and the popular Space Pirate Trainer, and they’re also behind multiplayer gems such as Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.
Although Vertigo Games no longer has a direct line to SpringboardVR, they assured fans and partners that their commitment to location-based VR remains as strong as ever. Through a robust partnership with SynthesisVR, they plan to keep delivering exciting VR experiences to arcades and home users alike.
Richard Stitselaar, the CEO of Vertigo Games, commented, “Our dedication to evolving VR arcades is unwavered. This transition allows us to zero in on content innovation, while SynthesisVR leads advancements on the platform side. By strengthening our partnership, we’re ensuring enhanced, futuristic solutions for operators and developers that promise truly immersive, next-gen entertainment for audiences.”
While there’s no hint of financial distress in this move, it does come amid some economic ripples hitting the gaming industry. This month alone saw layoffs affecting companies like Fast Travel Games in Sweden, known for recent titles Action Hero and Mannequin. Similarly, Drop Dead studio Soul Assembly was impacted. In late 2023, the economic climate also led to job cuts at renowned XR studio nDreams, creators of games like Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, and XR Games of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded fame, which faced significant staff reductions last October.
Other studios feeling the pinch include Canada-based Archiact, known for the VR version of DOOM 3, which scaled back its team in January 2024. Additionally, social VR platform VRChat announced it had to let go of 30% of its workforce.
