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

Vertigo Games, well-known for hits like the Arizona Sunshine series and 2024’s Metro Awakening, has decided to part ways with SpringboardVR, their VR content distribution platform designed for location-based entertainment (LBE).

When Vertigo Games first took SpringboardVR under its wing in 2021, they were eager to steer it into the realm of VR’s evolving landscape. Fast forward to today, and SynthesisVR, a leading name in virtual reality LBE management software, has taken the baton. The acquisition will be official as of February 1st, 2025, although the financial details remain under wraps.

In a joint statement, the companies emphasized the enhanced industry foundation this move provides, ensuring both SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR can operate independently while offering a wealth of options under the Deploy Reality umbrella. They highlighted how merging these two innovative platforms underpins the growth of VR arcades globally, marking a new chapter filled with promise for operators and developers.

Based out of the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has garnered acclaim for a slew of popular VR games. Apart from the Arizona Sunshine titles and Metro Awakening, they’ve crafted immersive LBE experiences like Space Pirate Trainer and multiplayer gems such as Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Though Vertigo Games is handing off SpringboardVR, they’re not stepping away from location-based VR. They have reaffirmed their commitment to the field through a renewed partnership with SynthesisVR, balancing development between arcades and home-user content.

Vertigo Games’ CEO, Richard Stitselaar, shared, “With this transition, we’re paving the way for future advancements. Vertigo Games will hone in on content creation and fostering innovative entertainment experiences, while SynthesisVR leads in platform growth. Our partnership ensures operators and developers are equipped with cutting-edge solutions to deliver captivating, immersive experiences.”

This shift is not indicative of financial distress, though it happens amid a broader industry shake-up. Recently, the gaming sector has seen staffing reductions impacting firms like Sweden’s Fast Travel Games and Soul Assembly. Even seasoned XR studio nDreams and Hitman 3 VR’s XR Games have faced layoffs, alongside Canada’s Archiact and VRChat, reflecting a period of economic turbulence across the board.