Vertigo Games closes unit in Amsterdam

The virtual reality market has experienced another significant downturn. Vertigo Games has confirmed the closure of its studio based in Amsterdam, a move that highlights the current fragility of the sector. CEO Richard Stitselaar clearly pointed out the structural challenges the industry is facing, indicating that even established studios are not immune to economic volatility.

"This is not a decision we made lightly, and I want to acknowledge the impact it has on everyone at Vertigo Studios Amsterdam," the executive stated. It is a formal statement that attempts to soften the blow for the talents who, unfortunately, are losing their positions after years of dedication.

The path of this unit is intriguing: founded as Force Field Entertainment in 2015, it was acquired by Vertigo Games in 2021, shortly after Vertigo Games itself was bought by Koch Media—now known as Plaion, a subsidiary of the Embracer Group—in a deal valued at 50 million euros. It is frustrating to see how these large corporate integrations rarely ensure the long-term stability of teams.

The studio is known for titles like Metro Awakening, The 7th Guest Remake, and Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow. Now, there is uncertainty regarding the fate of the company's other operations in Rotterdam and Los Angeles, something that GamesIndustry.biz is looking to clarify with the developer.

This closure is just another chapter in a concerning trend. The VR ecosystem is experiencing a severe contraction, marked by the closure of the Rec Room platform in April, layoffs at Polyarc Games, and the massive cuts at Meta, which reduced its workforce at Reality Labs. When both giant and small developers stumble simultaneously, it becomes clear that the excessive optimism surrounding the technology in recent years has not translated into the necessary sustainability to keep all these studios running.