Studio Vertigo Games Behind ‘Metro Awakening’ Sells VR Arcade Platform SpringboardVR

Vertigo Games, the creators of popular VR hits like the Arizona Sunshine series and Metro Awakening (2024), have announced the sale of SpringboardVR, their platform dedicated to virtual reality content distribution for location-based entertainment (LBE).

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games took SpringboardVR under their wing, excitedly sharing plans to drive the platform forward amidst a booming VR industry. Now, SynthesisVR, a leading name in virtual reality LBE management software, has snapped up SpringboardVR. This acquisition is set to take effect on February 1st, 2025, but the financial details are still under wraps.

In a joint statement, the companies highlighted how this move will bolster the VR industry, offering a robust foundation for both arcade operators and developers. “This partnership propels growth and innovation in VR’s emerging era,” the statement read. “While SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will operate independently to ensure continuity, their union under Deploy Reality signifies a strong, long-term commitment to LBE VR. It offers operators a wealth of resources and options. By uniting these two pioneering platforms, they’re shaping the future of VR arcades globally.”

Based in the Netherlands, Vertigo Games is renowned for a slew of successful VR projects, including the recent Metro Awakening (2024) and Arizona Sunshine 2 (2023). They have also delivered LBE adaptations of titles like Arizona Sunshine and Space Pirate Trainer, alongside multiplayer hits like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Despite parting ways with SpringboardVR, Vertigo Games reassures that they are still “deeply invested in the future of location-based VR,” continuing their collaboration with SynthesisVR. They are determined to keep producing impactful LBE VR experiences, while also serving the at-home audience.

Richard Stitselaar, CEO of Vertigo Games, emphasized their dedication to VR arcades’ evolution, stating, “This transition paves the way for a future where Vertigo Games can focus on creative content while SynthesisVR leads the charge in platform innovation. By strengthening our collaboration, we aim to deliver cutting-edge solutions for operators and developers, providing audiences with truly immersive, next-generation entertainment.”

While this announcement isn’t necessarily tied to financial distress, it’s worth noting that the gaming industry has faced some rocky patches recently. This month, layoffs struck Fast Travel Games in Sweden, known for their VR releases Action Hero (2024) and Mannequin (2024), as well as at Drop Dead studio Soul Assembly.

Similarly, late last year saw economic challenges leading to staff reductions at the XR studio nDreams, creators of recent VR titles Frenzies (2024) and Vendetta Forever (2024). XR Games, responsible for Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded (2024), also experienced significant layoffs in October.

Adding to the list of affected studios, Canada-based Archiact, the developer behind the VR port of DOOM 3 (2021), and social VR studio VRChat underwent downsizing, emphasizing the industry’s ongoing efforts to adapt amid economic strains.