Vertigo Games, the creative force behind the popular Arizona Sunshine franchise and the 2024 release of Metro Awakening, has shared some major news: they’ve decided to sell off SpringboardVR, the platform they previously acquired for distributing virtual reality content in location-based entertainment settings.
Back in 2021, when Vertigo Games took over SpringboardVR, they expressed plans to drive it forward through the dynamic growth phase touching the VR industry. Fast forward to now, and the mantle has passed to SynthesisVR, a leading name in virtual reality LBE management software. They’ve acquired SpringboardVR, though the details remain under wraps, with the transition set to finalize on February 1st, 2025.
The companies released a joint statement saying, “This acquisition is a boost for the LBE sector—laying a robust groundwork for arcade operators and developers, paving a path for ongoing innovation and growth in the VR arena. Both platforms will operate independently to ensure seamless business continuity, yet coming together under the Deploy Reality banner shows a steadfast vow to the LBE VR market, offering greater resources and choices for operators. This partnership is pivotal for expanding VR arcade success globally.”
Vertigo Games, situated in the Netherlands, is renowned not just for titles like Metro Awakening and recent hits such as Arizona Sunshine 2, but also for crafting LBE versions of Arizona Sunshine, Space Pirate Trainer, and several multiplayer games like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.
In light of this sale, Vertigo Games reassures its commitment to the VR LBE future through its ongoing collaboration with SynthesisVR. Their focus remains on producing both location-based VR experiences and content for home users. Richard Stitselaar, CEO of Vertigo Games, emphasized, “Our path forward is about nurturing VR arcade evolution. By handing the platform reins to SynthesisVR, we zero in on content innovation while SynthesisVR propels platform growth. Our reinforced partnership means delivering powerful solutions to operators and developers, paving the way for truly immersive next-gen entertainment.”
This move doesn’t hint at financial distress but does highlight a rocky economic climate impacting the VR industry. Recently, Sweden-based Fast Travel Games, creators of Action Hero and Mannequin, along with the Drop Dead studio, Soul Assembly, faced layoffs. Last year, turbulent times also led to staff reductions at nDreams, the team behind titles like Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, and XR Games, who worked on Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded.
Similar challenges affected other studios, including Canadian firm Archiact, known for the VR edition of DOOM 3, and VRChat, a social VR platform, both shedding staff at the start of 2024.
