Meta Shuts Down Ready at Dawn Studios
Ready at Dawn Studios, celebrated for creating the Lone Echo VR series, has been shuttered by Meta (formerly Oculus Studios). This decision comes after over two decades of crafting games for diverse platforms, including the PSP and Meta Quest, as part of Meta's strategic realignment focused on impactful VR development.
Established in 2003 by former members of Naughty Dog, Ready at Dawn gained recognition with titles like Daxter and God of War: Chains of Olympus. Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, their original IP, The Order: 1886, earned a devoted following after its 2015 release. The studio made a noteworthy shift to VR with the launch of Lone Echo in 2017 and was later acquired by Oculus Studios. Their most recent game, Lone Echo 2, was released in 2021.
The studio experienced layoffs in 2023 amidst Meta's company-wide restructuring, impacting numerous employees. Meta's Reality Labs, responsible for AR/VR and the metaverse, has incurred substantial operating losses, amassing $4.49 billion in the last quarter and approximately $59.5 billion since 2019. Nevertheless, Meta remains resolute in its commitment to invest in virtual reality, with a particular emphasis on the upcoming Quest 3 headset and AR glasses.
Key Takeaways
- Meta closes Ready at Dawn Studios, known for the Lone Echo VR series, to align with budgetary constraints for maximizing long-term VR impact.
- Founded in 2003, Ready at Dawn transitioned to VR after developing games for PSP and PS4, and its closure reflects Meta's shifting priorities.
- Meta's Reality Labs reported significant operating losses totalling $4.49 billion in the last quarter, despite future investments in VR and AR technologies.
Analysis
Meta's decision to shut down Ready at Dawn Studios underscores the strategic adjustments made under financial pressures, affecting long-standing industry experts and VR innovation. This move is driven by Meta's substantial Reality Labs losses and the need to redirect their resources. In the short term, this closure results in job losses and stalling of VR projects, potentially impeding VR gaming innovation and modifying Meta's market leadership in the long term. Despite the financial setbacks, Meta's unwavering commitment to VR signals their strategic investment in the future growth of AR/VR technologies.
Did You Know?
- Ready at Dawn Studios:
- Explanation: Established in 2003 by former Naughty Dog members, Ready at Dawn Studios developed games across multiple platforms, gaining renown for the Lone Echo VR series. After being acquired by Oculus Studios, the studio continued VR development until its closure in 2024.
- Meta's Reality Labs:
- Explanation: Meta's Reality Labs, operating under Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook), is dedicated to AR and VR technology development. Despite experiencing substantial operating losses, Reality Labs remains a critical area of investment for Meta, reflecting the company's long-term vision for AR/VR technologies.
- Lone Echo VR Series:
- Explanation: Renowned for its immersive gameplay and innovative use of VR technology, the Lone Echo series, developed by Ready at Dawn Studios, has been acclaimed for its unique gameplay mechanics and narrative depth, contributing significantly to the VR gaming landscape.