Moss studio Polyarc shuts down, becoming the latest casualty of a brutal year for VR
Polyarc, the Seattle-based VR studio behind the acclaimed Moss series, has shut down after nearly 12 years of operation. The studio announced the closure via LinkedIn, stating “After nearly 12 years riding the joyous rollercoaster of emotions that is making video games, our time together has come to an end.”
Founded in 2015, Polyarc gained recognition with its debut title Moss (later known as Moss: VR) in 2018, initially launching as a PlayStation VR exclusive before expanding to Steam. The game distinguished itself in the VR market by embracing third-person platforming gameplay rather than the first-person experiences that typically dominate the medium, and it became established as one of the platform’s most acclaimed titles.
The studio released its latest game on Steam just three months before announcing the shutdown. The closure represents another significant setback for the VR industry, which has faced considerable challenges during what has been described as “a brutal year for VR.” Polyarc’s demise follows a broader pattern of VR-focused studios struggling to maintain profitability and market viability.