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

Vertigo Games, the creative minds behind well-loved titles like the Arizona Sunshine series and 2024’s Metro Awakening, have made a strategic decision to part ways with SpringboardVR, the platform dedicated to distributing VR content for location-based entertainment (LBE).

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games saw potential in SpringboardVR, anticipating an era of rapid VR growth and planning to lead the platform into new, exciting territories. Fast forward to now, SynthesisVR, a leading name in VR LBE management software, has stepped in to acquire SpringboardVR. This change, effective from February 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in the VR landscape.

In an official statement, both companies have expressed optimism about this new chapter. They believe the acquisition will solidify the industry by laying down a robust foundation for arcade operators and developers alike, fostering growth and innovation. Although SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will continue to operate independently, their collaboration under the Deploy Reality umbrella promises to enhance the options and resources available to VR operators. This partnership, uniting two cutting-edge platforms, is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution and success of VR arcades around the globe.

Based in the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has built a reputation for delivering hit VR experiences. Their portfolio includes the Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024), Arizona Sunshine 2 (2023), alongside the LBE versions of popular games like Arizona Sunshine and Space Pirate Trainer. They’ve also ventured into multiplayer realms with games such as Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Despite relinquishing their direct connection with SpringboardVR, Vertigo Games is steadfast in its commitment to the location-based VR market. They’ve reaffirmed their dedication through a renewed partnership with SynthesisVR, indicating that their efforts in creating engaging LBE VR experiences, along with content for at-home consumers, will continue unabated.

Richard Stitselaar, CEO of Vertigo Games, emphasized the company’s focus on the enduring evolution of VR arcades. “This shift allows us to concentrate on pioneering content and creativity, while SynthesisVR propels platform advancements,” he stated. By bolstering their longstanding alliance, Vertigo Games aims to provide operators and developers with more robust, innovative solutions, ultimately offering immersive, next-gen entertainment to audiences.

It’s worth noting that this news doesn’t hint at financial instability for Vertigo Games, although the gaming industry at large has faced its share of economic difficulties. Recently, Swedish studio Fast Travel Games, the team behind releases like Action Hero (2024) and Mannequin (2024), experienced layoffs. Similarly, Soul Assembly, the creators of Drop Dead, have been impacted.

End-of-year economic struggles also led to workforce reductions at experienced XR studio nDreams, known for titles like Frenzies (2024) and Vendetta Forever (2024). Moreover, XR Games, the studio behind Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded (2024), cut a significant portion of its staff last October. Among those navigating this challenging landscape are also Archiact from Canada, which downsized in January 2024, and social VR platform VRChat, which reduced its workforce by 30%.

In these ever-changing times, Vertigo Games and many others continue to adapt, demonstrating resilience as they navigate the fluctuating VR gaming industry.