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

Vertigo Games, the creative force behind hits like Arizona Sunshine and Metro Awakening (2024), has recently revealed that it’s sold its location-based VR content distribution platform, SpringboardVR.

Back in 2021, when Vertigo Games first took SpringboardVR under its wing, the studio was eager to push the platform into the VR industry’s evolving future. Fast forward to now, SynthesisVR, a leader in virtual reality LBE management technologies, has purchased SpringboardVR. While they haven’t disclosed the exact price, we know this transaction kicks off on February 1st, 2025.

In a joint statement, the companies emphasized that the acquisition will empower arcade operators and developers by setting a solid groundwork for future growth and innovation in VR. While SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will continue to run independently, their union under the umbrella of Deploy Reality signals a dedicated push towards enhancing location-based VR. This collaboration offers operators a wealth of options and tools, laying the groundwork for VR arcades to thrive globally.

Vertigo Games, headquartered in the Netherlands, has made quite a name for itself with a slew of popular VR games. Titles like Metro Awakening (2024), the Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024), and Arizona Sunshine 2 (2023) rank among fan favorites. They’ve also ventured into LBE versions of games like Arizona Sunshine and Space Pirate Trainer and developed multiplayer experiences like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Even though Vertigo is stepping back from directly managing SpringboardVR, they’re still steadfast in their commitment to the future of location-based VR. This dedication is evident in their ongoing, robust partnership with SynthesisVR, aiming to continue delivering engaging VR content for both arcades and home users.

As Vertigo Games CEO Richard Stitselaar put it, “We’re charting a course for the future. This move allows Vertigo Games to zero in on innovating content, while SynthesisVR hones in on platform advancements. Our strengthened collaboration ensures both operators and developers enjoy groundbreaking, forward-thinking solutions, ultimately presenting audiences with immersive, next-gen entertainment.”

It’s worth noting that while this news of a sale doesn’t point to financial problems per se, it is set against a backdrop of financial challenges in the industry. Just this month, Sweden’s Fast Travel Games, known for titles like Action Hero (2024) and Mannequin (2024), and the Drop Dead creators at Soul Assembly, experienced layoffs.

The economic strains have been felt elsewhere too, as veteran XR studio nDreams faced layoffs late last year, and XR Games, makers of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded (2024), had to let go of many of their team members. Other studios like Canada’s Archiact, behind the VR port of DOOM 3 (2021), and social VR platform VRChat, which reduced its staff by 30%, have also been navigating these turbulent times.