Tag: Meta Quest

The future of the Batman: Arkham sequel is uncertain after the closure of its studio

Virtual reality is in a critical state, facing significant challenges that cast doubt on its future as a pillar of video gaming. Ten years ago, VR promised to revolutionize the industry, but today it faces a complicated landscape, marked by cutbacks and projects that fail to take off. Recently, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced the closure of several of its internal studios dedicated to game development for its Meta Quest platform, including Sanzaru Games and Twisted Pixel. The complicated virtual reality market Since January 13, various developers from these companies have shared on social media […]

Virtual reality is in a critical state, facing significant challenges that cast doubt on its future as a pillar of video gaming. Ten years ago, VR promised to revolutionize the industry, but today it faces a complicated landscape, marked by cutbacks and projects that fail to take off. Recently, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced the closure of several of its internal studios dedicated to game development for its Meta Quest platform, including Sanzaru Games and Twisted Pixel.

The complicated virtual reality market

Since January 13, various developers from these companies have shared on social media the news of their layoffs, which has raised concerns about the direction of Meta’s Reality Labs division, which has been affected by losses nearing $4 billion. Sources indicate that the company plans to cut between 10% and 15% of its staff in this area, which has approximately 15,000 employees and several internal studios.

Layoffs and closures have generated uncertainty especially regarding the development of the sequel to Batman: Arkham, a project that was under the direction of Sanzaru. Although some initial reports suggested that the studio may have closed permanently, it has been confirmed that Camouflaj, responsible for the successful Batman: Arkham Shadow, has not been closed, although it has also been impacted by the cuts. However, with Sanzaru out of the equation, the future of the sequel to this VR game is uncertain, leading to speculation about its possible cancellation.

This radical move by Meta reflects a shift in its priorities, indicating a significant reduction in its investment towards the metaverse and virtual reality, which has effectively been a failure compared to the initial expectations surrounding the technology.

Meta lays off 10% of its workforce, getting rid of almost all its video game developers

Meta is undergoing a significant restructuring in its Reality Labs division, laying off more than 1,000 employees, which represents about 10% of its workforce. According to an internal memo, these measures are part of an effort to make the division “more sustainable.” As the company shifts its …

Meta is undergoing a significant restructuring in its Reality Labs division, laying off more than 1,000 employees, which represents approximately 10% of its workforce. According to an internal memo, these measures are part of an effort to make the division “more sustainable.” As the company changes its course, three virtual reality development studios will be closed: Armature Studios, Sanzaru Games, and Twisted Pixel, responsible for notable titles such as Resident Evil 4 VR and Asgard’s Wrath.

Forget about VR video games

The decision to reduce the focus on virtual reality and the metaverse has arisen after accumulating losses of approximately $50 billion between 2020 and 2024. Despite the massive investment, Meta has failed to produce a successful and widely used product in the market. Andrew Bosworth, CTO of Meta, had warned that the metaverse could become a “legendary misadventure” if Reality Labs did not recover soon. However, the future of the metaverse is now centered on mobile devices and wearables powered by artificial intelligence, far from fully immersive virtual reality headsets.

The company plans to reinvest the savings generated by these layoffs into the development of new wearable technologies, although this raises concerns about privacy and potential legal complications. The new devices could offer innovative features, but they also present a dilemma regarding their general acceptance and effectiveness in the market. With a starting price of $799 for certain devices, doubts are raised about their viability in an environment where consumer trust is at stake.

Meanwhile, Meta will continue to work on the metaverse, but with a more limited focus and at a slower pace in the development of VR headsets. Although the company is expected to explore new avenues, the path to consolidating its vision for the future seems to be fraught with obstacles.

Facebook DOWNLOAD

The VR game you need, Attack on Titan, is delayed, but you didn’t know it exists

The VR game you need, but you didn’t know it exists, is delayed: Attack on Titan, for which you will have to wait until next year

Attack on Titan has already ended. Both its anime and manga have concluded, leaving millions of fans bereft of one of the longest-running and beloved stories in recent years. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise us that some of these fans have decided to create their own video game, as we recently mentioned. Nor should it be assumed that the Attack on Titan universe is far from being closed and concluded. Not when there are still experiences to explore, such as killing a Titan in virtual reality.

Oculus - Meta Quest DOWNLOAD

That’s what was promised with Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable. Developed for Meta Quest, it’s a virtual reality game described as an “action hunting game” playable in both single-player and cooperative modes for up to two people. It’s exactly what you’re thinking: stepping into the shoes of a member of the Walls’ Army and facing off against a Titan using Three-Dimensional Maneuver Gear. While it might sound extremely dizzying, from what we’ve seen in its trailer, it seems to be quite manageable.

The problem is you won’t be able to try it soon, even if it makes you as eager as a Titan. Despite Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable being initially announced for release in winter 2023, it has been delayed until the second half of 2024. According to the CEO of the developing studio, Univrs, this delay is to ensure the overall quality of the game.

This isn’t the first delay for this game. Originally announced in December 2022, it was supposed to launch during the summer of 2023. However, in June, Univrs postponed the game until the winter of the same year.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable will be released on Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest Pro 2, and Meta Quest Pro 3 in the second half of 2024, if all goes well.

Oculus - Meta Quest DOWNLOAD