“Metro Awakening” Developer Vertigo Games Sells VR Arcade Content Platform SpringboardVR

Vertigo Games, known for their popular Arizona Sunshine series and Metro Awakening, recently decided to sell off SpringboardVR, which is a virtual reality content distribution platform specialized in location-based entertainment (LBE).

Back in 2021, Vertigo Games picked up SpringboardVR, expressing their enthusiasm to “lead it into an exciting phase of rapid growth in VR.” Fast forward to 2025, SynthesisVR, a top player in managing LBE virtual reality experiences, stepped in and acquired SpringboardVR. Although the specific amount wasn’t disclosed, they announced the deal will officially take effect on February 1st, 2025.

According to a press statement from the companies, “This acquisition enhances the industry’s future by providing a stable foundation for arcade operators and developers, promising sustained growth and innovation in VR’s next chapter.” They emphasized that both SpringboardVR and SynthesisVR will operate independently, continuing without disruption. Being under the same umbrella with Deploy Reality, this partnership signals a strong commitment to enhancing location-based VR, broadening opportunities, and resources for operators. By merging the strengths of these two platforms, the collaboration is set to fuel growth and success for VR arcades on a global scale.

Based in the Netherlands, Vertigo Games has become synonymous with some standout VR titles like Metro Awakening, an Arizona Sunshine Remake, and Arizona Sunshine 2, launched in 2023. They’ve also developed LBE versions of fan favorites like Arizona Sunshine and Space Pirate Trainer, in addition to multiplayer experiences like Eclipse and Ghost Patrol VR.

Even though Vertigo Games has stepped back from a direct role with SpringboardVR, they maintain a strong investment in the realm of location-based VR. They reaffirmed their commitment through a strengthened partnership with SynthesisVR, pledging to create both LBE VR adventures and immersive at-home gaming experiences.

Richard Stitselaar, the CEO of Vertigo Games, reiterated their dedication, stating, “We are fully committed to the progression of VR arcades. This move is about charting a future where Vertigo Games can hone in on pioneering content and creative breakthroughs, while SynthesisVR leads in technological advancements. Through our robust collaboration, both developers and operators will gain access to more innovative, practical solutions, aimed at delivering next-gen entertainment experiences that captivate audiences.”

Though the move doesn’t necessarily point to financial struggles, it fits into a backdrop of economic challenges hitting the industry recently. Just this month, Fast Travel Games in Sweden, behind titles like Action Hero and Mannequin, along with Soul Assembly, the studio responsible for Drop Dead, announced layoffs.

Last year, rising economic pressures also forced cutbacks at XR veterans like nDreams, creators of Frenzies and Vendetta Forever, and XR Games, known for Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded. Canada’s Archiact, which worked on VR version of DOOM 3, also reduced its workforce, as did VRChat, a social VR pioneer, which trimmed 30% of its staff.

Overall, while financial headwinds present a challenge, the collaboration between Vertigo Games and SynthesisVR brings promise and resilience to the VR landscape, paving the way for sustained innovation.