Sure, here’s the rewritten article in a more unpolished and human-like tone:
Between 2019 and 2022, Meta went on this wild shopping spree. I mean, they were scooping up VR game studios left and right – nine in total. Let’s take a chaotic trip through the last six years and see what went down, from big wins to total flops.
So, here’s a quick note before we jump in: You might’ve seen an older version of this article from 2024, but we’re still keeping tabs on what Meta’s been up to. Who knows what’ll happen next, right?
Anyway, getting bought by Meta usually shakes things up. Studios get all these shiny new resources and sometimes access to top-tier stuff. Think stability and connections – like suddenly being on a first-name basis with the cool kids. But, yeah, there are strings attached, too. Less freedom to do whatever they want, more “stick with what works” kind of deal.
Now, Meta snagged nine studios, and they’ve had mixed results post-buyout. A few have really stood out; others, not so much. Only a handful are doing that truly outstanding follow-up work.
Beat Games – Known for Beat Saber, Acquired 2019
Remember Beat Saber? That block-slashing game took over. Meta bought Beat Games in 2019, aiming to keep the game on the up and up with new stuff. They let the studio keep some independence, though.
The game got updates, music from big artists, and multiplayer – cool stuff. But, man, what happened to the custom sabers and mixed reality mode they hinted at? Poof. Gone. Nada. The core bit of Beat Saber? Still the same. Six years in, you’d think they’d be brewing something big. Nope, just keeping the rhythm game alive.
Then, boom, out of nowhere in June 2025, they drop the bombshell: bye-bye PSVR/2 updates on Beat Saber. No more new DLC, features zilch. PSVR multiplayer? Shutdown planned for early 2026. But there’s rumor of the “next big leap for Beat Saber.” I mean, what could it be?
Interestingly, the folks who started the studio – Jan, Jaroslav, Vladimir – bailed. Meta’s calling the shots now.
Sanzaru Games – Known for Asgard’s Wrath, Acquired 2020
Sanzaru is this studio Meta snagged in 2020. They promised more epic VR adventures after Asgard’s Wrath in 2019, an RPG for Rift. Fast forward to 2023, Asgard’s Wrath 2 hits, packing a punch on Quest 2 and 3. Who’d have thought they could pull that off with less power than a PC?
The sequel shows off sick visual quality on Quest, grabbing a solid 4.2 out of 5 in reviews. But, yeah, it took awhile. Four years of waiting! January 2025 rolled in, and they said that was it for updates. What’s next? They’re tight-lipped about it.
Ready at Dawn – Known for Lone Echo & Echo VR, Acquired 2020, Closed 2024
Ready at Dawn used to be the go-to for Lone Echo. Launched in 2017, it was huge back then. The zero-G navigation? Revolutionary. They even spun off Echo VR. Everyone expected them to keep working magic post-acquisition in 2020.
They did drop Lone Echo II in 2021, but Echo VR – hoped to be Quest bound – didn’t make that jump.
About three years in, they axed Echo VR. Fans were not amused. They hinted at new projects, some secretive stuff. But by August 2024, Meta pulled the plug completely. Thanks for all the fish, Ready at Dawn.
Downpour Interactive – Known for Onward, Acquired 2021, Closed 2025
Onward, oh boy, a staple for VR mil-sim enthusiasts, came out in 2016. Meta, spotting an opportunity, picked up Downpour Interactive in 2021, thinking, hey, let’s grow this.
Quest launch wasn’t smooth but better over time. It had, what, 18,000 reviews and a 4.2/5 rating. Not too shabby. But despite its following, layoff buzz started in 2023, impacting Ready at Dawn, too.
Founder Dante Buckley jumped ship just before layoffs. June 2025 rolled around, and they announced Downpour Interactive was done following a big update. Some staff moved over to Camouflaj. The game lives, sort of clinging to life support.
Post-acquisition Grades
Beat Games: B-
Sanzaru Games: B+
Ready at Dawn: F+ (For effort?)
Downpour Interactive: D+
Well, I didn’t see that coming. Studios go in, and who knows what comes out on the other side, huh?
There you go.
