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

Vertigo Games, the creative mind behind hits like the Arizona Sunshine series and Metro Awakening, has recently announced a big change. They’ve decided to sell off SpringboardVR, a well-known platform for location-based entertainment (LBE) VR content.

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games bought SpringboardVR, expressing excitement about leading it into a future filled with VR growth opportunities. Fast forward to today, and SpringboardVR has found a new home with SynthesisVR, a top company in VR LBE management software. This acquisition is set to take effect on February 1st, 2025, though the exact financial details haven’t been publicized.

“This acquisition is a game-changer for the industry,” a press release highlighted. “It provides a solid foundation for arcade operators and developers, paving the way for continued growth and breakthroughs in VR.” While SynthesisVR and SpringboardVR will operate independently for now, this partnership under Deploy Reality signifies a strong commitment to advancing location-based VR. It promises more options and resources for operators and aims to foster growth among VR arcades worldwide by melding these two pioneering platforms.

Vertigo Games, nestled in the Netherlands, holds a strong reputation with a portfolio packed with fan favorites like Metro Awakening and the beloved Arizona Sunshine Remake. They’ve also delighted players with hits like Arizona Sunshine 2 and immersive multiplayer experiences like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Even though SpringboardVR is no longer in their immediate fold, Vertigo Games is quick to assure fans and partners alike of their unwavering dedication to location-based VR. This is further emphasized through their partnership with SynthesisVR, aiming to keep creating engaging LBE VR experiences along with home consumer content.

Vertigo Games’ CEO, Richard Stitselaar, shared, “We are firmly focused on the future of VR arcades. This shift allows us to concentrate on content innovation while SynthesisVR pushes platform evolution. By reinforcing our collaboration, we aim to provide both operators and developers with the cutting-edge solutions they need to deliver truly captivating, next-gen entertainment to audiences.”

The sale doesn’t necessarily point to financial distress, but it does come amidst a backdrop of economic challenges in the broader industry. In recent times, we’ve seen layoffs hit companies like Fast Travel Games from Sweden, known for recent VR titles like Action Hero and Mannequin, along with Drop Dead creators, Soul Assembly.

Similarly, towards the end of last year, nDreams, a veteran XR studio famed for games like Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, along with Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded creators, XR Games, had to cut back their workforce significantly. Other studios like Archiact, based in Canada, known for the VR port of DOOM 3, together with VRChat, a social VR studio, have also felt the squeeze, shedding staff as the industry navigates through these turbulent times.