Vertigo Games, the Studio Behind ‘Metro Awakening,’ Divests VR Arcade Content Platform SpringboardVR

Vertigo Games, the creative minds behind the Arizona Sunshine series and Metro Awakening, unveiled a significant shift in their strategy by selling SpringboardVR, their location-based entertainment VR platform. This transition marks a new chapter for SpringboardVR as it now finds itself under the umbrella of SynthesisVR, a leading name in virtual reality management software.

Vertigo Games initially acquired SpringboardVR back in 2021 with ambitions of steering the platform towards new heights, capitalizing on the vibrant growth of VR. Fast forward to the present, and SynthesisVR has taken charge, adding SpringboardVR to its arsenal, though the exact financial details remain a mystery. This handover will take effect starting February 1st, 2025.

The acquisition, as both companies state, empowers arcade operators and developers by laying down a solid foundation for continuous innovation and expansion in VR. Although SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will run independently to ensure smooth operations, their union under the banner of Deploy Reality strengthens the commitment to advancing location-based VR. This collaboration offers more tools and opportunities for VR arcades globally, pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences.

Based out of the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has a storied history of crafting engaging VR experiences. Their portfolio isn’t just limited to Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine. It extends to include LBE versions of Arizona Sunshine and Space Pirate Trainer, as well as multiplayer adventures like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Despite parting ways with SpringboardVR, Vertigo Games remains deeply entrenched in the location-based VR scene. Their partnership with SynthesisVR underscores their dedication to delivering premium VR experiences, both in arcades and for home users.

Richard Stitselaar, CEO of Vertigo Games, emphasizes the company’s focus moving forward: “We’re charting a new path where Vertigo Games can prioritize innovative content and creativity, while SynthesisVR manages platform progression. This synergy ensures both developers and operators can access innovative solutions, aiming to create truly immersive next-gen entertainment.”

This move doesn’t point to financial distress for Vertigo, but it comes at a time of upheaval in the VR landscape, with recent layoffs impacting several studios. Swedish company Fast Travel Games, responsible for recent hits like Action Hero and Mannequin, and Soul Assembly, creators of Drop Dead, have both faced job cuts.

Economic challenges last year also led to reductions at XR pioneers nDreams, known for Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, as well as XR Games, creators of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded, which witnessed significant staff reductions. Likewise, Canada-based Archiact and social VR platform VRChat have also trimmed their workforce amid these industry-wide challenges.