Meta Shuts Down VR Game Studio Ready at Dawn
Meta, the parent company of the former Facebook, has shuttered its first-party VR game studio, Ready at Dawn. Known for its Echo VR series, the closure is effective immediately. This decision comes almost a year and a half after Meta's acquisition of the studio.
Background of Ready at Dawn
Ready at Dawn has a storied history in the gaming world, dating back to the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) era. Their first game, Daxter, released in 2006, was a spinoff of the popular Jak and Daxter series. Over the years, the studio produced several notable titles, including three games in Sony's God of War series for the PSP: Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta, and the Olympus Collection.
Transition to Consoles and VR
The studio transitioned to console gaming with the release of The Order: 1886 for the PlayStation 4 in 2015. Despite mixed reviews, the game was highly anticipated for its impressive graphics. Ready at Dawn then ventured into multiplayer gaming with De-Formers in 2017, a quirky character combat game for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
In 2018, the studio pivoted to virtual reality, launching the Echo VR series. Titles like Echo Arena and Lone Echo gained a dedicated fanbase, leading to sequels such as Echo Combat and Lone Echo II.
Acquisition and Closure
Meta acquired Ready at Dawn in 2023, allowing it to continue operations in California and Oregon. However, the same year, Meta shut down the free Echo VR game due to declining player numbers. This move is part of a broader strategy, as Meta plans to cut its Reality Labs division’s budget by 20% by 2026. The company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has termed this period a “year of efficiency,” during which Meta has slashed more than 20,000 jobs.
Future Implications
Meta’s decision to close Ready at Dawn highlights the changing landscape of the virtual reality industry. As the company focuses on the upcoming Meta Quest 4 and Quest 4s VR headsets, resources are being reallocated, impacting smaller studios under its umbrella.
Key Takeaway: Meta's strategic shift and budget cuts signal a challenging time for VR game development, particularly for studios like Ready at Dawn with a rich legacy in the gaming world.
