Meta’s Acquisition of 9 Leading VR Studios Since 2019: A Look at the Developments

Sure thing. Here’s my take:

So, here’s the wild rollercoaster of Meta gobbling up VR studios between 2019 and 2022. We’re talking nine—yup, nine—studios. I mean, whoa, right?

Quick side note: This is me adding more layers to the onion from October 2024. Riveting stuff ahead!

Alright, so why does Meta do this? Well, it’s like they sprinkle magic dust—resources, IP connections, stability. Sounds dreamy, but there’s a catch. Studios get tied down, sticking to their initial hits.

Among the nine, only a few break free with standout follow-ups. Let’s dive in and dissect the chaos.

Beat Games – The Beat Saber Saga, Since 2019

Beat Games gets swooped up in 2019, and the goal? Keep Beat Saber rocking with cool updates. Independence was promised. Whether that happened is—well, debatable.

They threw in multiplayer post-acquisition. But wait—promised stuff like custom sabers and mixed reality modes? MIA. Oddly, the game’s core hasn’t shifted an inch. One would think they’d have moved to the next big thing by now. Nope, nada, zilch.

Then boom, June 2025 hits. PSVR/2 support? Canceled. They did tease a "next big leap" though. Yet, I’m sticking with more pop tracks and maybe, just maybe, something groundbreaking. Gotta love suspense, right?

Oh, and the original trio behind Beat Saber? They’ve jumped ship, leaving Meta at the helm. Yikes.

Post-acquisition Mood: B–

Sanzaru Games – From Wrath to Wrath-er, 2020

When Meta snagged Sanzaru in 2020, it was all about scaling up in VR. Out came Asgard’s Wrath 2 in 2023 on Quest 2 and 3. Quite the feat when you think about it. Four years from acquisition to sequel—felt like an eternity, but hey, visual prowess!

And as of 2025? The orchestral curtain falls on Wrath 2. Now, it’s all eyes on their mysterious “next big thing.”

Got to Love a Good Sequel: B+

Ready at Dawn – Echoing Downfall, 2020-2024

Ready at Dawn’s Lone Echo was VR eye candy back in the day. They pulled a multiplayer spin-off, Echo VR. Flash-forward, Meta swoops in 2020. Lone Echo II does see the light in 2021, but here comes the kicker: Quest support for Echo VR never materialized. Oof.

Only a few years post-buyout, Echo VR’s plug was unceremoniously pulled. August 2024, Meta closes shop. Thanks for the memories?

Flailing Ends: F+

Downpour Interactive – The Onward Plunge, 2021-2025

Onward was a cultie for VR mil-sim fans since 2016. Meta spots potential, snaps up Downpour in 2021. The game stumbles at Quest launch, pulls through later, but alas, a bumpy road it remains.

Layoffs snake through 2023. Founder exits stage left. Then, come 2025, Meta shutters Downpour after Onward’s 2.0 push. Servers? Still lurking. Call it life support, I guess.

Battling On: D+

Anyway, that’s the rundown. Tangled tales full of triumphs and missteps, odd twists, and open endings. You thought VR was straightforward? Think again.

There we go; a hot mess of human chaos.