‘Metro Awakening’ Creator Vertigo Games Sells VR Arcade Platform SpringboardVR

Vertigo Games, the creative force credited with popular VR experiences like the Arizona Sunshine series and the more recent Metro Awakening (2024), has decided to let go of SpringboardVR, a platform dedicated to distributing location-based VR content.

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games took SpringboardVR under its wing, with ambitions of propelling it into a new era of VR innovation. Fast forward to today, SpringboardVR has found a new home with SynthesisVR, a top player in the virtual reality management software space, though the details of this acquisition remain under wraps. This change in ownership is set to take place on February 1st, 2025.

The acquisition, touted as a strategic move by both parties, is said to lay a robust foundation for the future of VR arcades, providing the nourishment needed for growth and creativity. Although SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will continue to operate independently, their integration under the Deploy Reality umbrella is expected to diversify resources and expand opportunities for VR operators.

Operating out of the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has earned widespread recognition for its diverse VR portfolio. Not just stopping at Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine franchise titles, they have also introduced location-based experiences like Space Pirate Trainer, along with multiplayer games such as Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Despite stepping back from having a direct hand in SpringboardVR, Vertigo Games reassures their continued enthusiasm for location-based VR. Their longstanding collaboration with SynthesisVR will continue, focusing on creating experiences for VR arcades while also catering to home users.

Richard Stitselaar, the CEO of Vertigo Games, voiced ongoing support for VR arcades. “This transition marks a pivotal step toward our future. Our aim is to spearhead innovation in content creation while SynthesisVR pushes the envelope on platform development. This enhanced partnership ensures both developers and operators have access to potent, futuristic solutions, delivering top-notch entertainment experiences to audiences.”

The industry shift comes amid some financial headwinds affecting the VR sector. Recently, Sweden’s Fast Travel Games, creators behind Action Hero (2024) and Mannequin (2024), and the Drop Dead studio Soul Assembly have been hit by layoffs.

Similarly, nDreams scaled back its team towards the end of last year, a studio known for Frenzies (2024), Vendetta Forever (2024), and Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded (2024). XR Games also saw significant staff reductions. Other companies like Canada’s Archiact, the brains behind the VR port of DOOM 3 (2021), and social VR hub VRChat, which had to cut 30% of its workforce, have also felt the pinch in this challenging economic climate.