Embracer-owned VR developer Vertigo Games closes Amsterdam studio
Embracer-owned VR developer Vertigo Games has closed its Amsterdam studio, marking another challenge for the struggling VR gaming sector. Vertigo Studios Amsterdam was the team behind Metro Awakening, a multi-platform VR title that launched in 2024. While the game was well-received by critics and earned widespread acclaim for its quality, it failed to meet Embracer’s commercial expectations.
In a statement posted on social media, Vertigo Games CEO Richard Stitselaar announced the closure and attributed it to adverse market conditions affecting the VR industry. He characterized the decision as difficult but necessary given the ongoing challenges in the sector. The exact number of employees impacted by the studio shutdown remains unclear.
The closure represents a significant setback for both Vertigo Games and the broader VR gaming landscape, which has struggled with high development costs, limited consumer adoption, and difficulty achieving profitability. Metro Awakening’s critical success but commercial underperformance illustrates the disconnect between critical reception and market viability in the VR space. The studio’s closure underscores the financial pressures facing specialized VR developers in an industry still seeking sustainable business models and broader mainstream adoption.