Meta’s Acquisition of 9 Top VR Studios Since 2019: Developments and Impact

Between 2019 and 2022, Meta went all out, snagging a bunch of VR studios like they were on some wild shopping spree. Nine freaking studios! So, here’s a peek at what’s been going on these past years—some wins, some flops, and everything in between.

First off, when Meta takes over a studio, lots of cool stuff usually goes down. You get a flood of new resources, cool connections, and that warm, fuzzy feeling of stability. But, yeah, the flipside? Less freedom, since you gotta keep up with what put you on the map in the first place.

Anyway, of the nine studios Meta bagged, just a few have really pushed the envelope. The rest? Meh, kinda just existing.

Beat Games – The Beat Saber People, Bought in 2019

Okay, so they bought Beat Games to keep Beat Saber rolling with fancy new updates. And it’s still got those hyped-up DLC packs and stuff. Multiplayer was the biggie though—finally, right? But promises of things like custom sabers? Yeah, no dice yet. It feels like they’re still milking the same old cow. Oh, and 2025 was when they pulled the plug on the PSVR/2 version. Multiplayer’s going away on that too. But they did hint at something…a “big leap”? We’ll see. Oddly, all the original founders have jumped ship. Hmm.

Post-acquisition Grade: B–

Sanzaru Games – Those Asgard’s Wrath Folks, 2020 Acquisition

Back when Meta grabbed Sanzaru, they were all about those grand VR adventures. Asgard’s Wrath was their thing in 2019, right before Meta swooped in.

In 2023, bam! Asgard’s Wrath 2. They packed all that epic-ness into Quest 2 and 3. Took a while though—nearly four years! Solid reviews, but the game’s on cruise control now. The next big project? Total mystery.

Post-acquisition Grade: B+

Ready at Dawn – Lone Echo & Echo VR Crew, 2020, Closed 2024

Ready at Dawn was doing some cool stuff with Lone Echo. Zero-G movements, all that jazz. Started Lone Echo II, then Meta came along to save the day.

So they did get Lone Echo II out in 2021. But then, the big letdown—Echo VR wasn’t moving to Quest. Three years later, Echo VR got dumped, and in 2024, Meta shut the whole studio. Thanks and goodbye.

Post-acquisition Grade: F+ (Nice try, though)

Downpour Interactive – Onward Devs, 2021, Closed 2025

Onward was a biggie for VR mil-sim fans. Meta thought, “Yeah, let’s support this!” The Quest launch was rocky, but things smoothed out eventually.

Even with all the love, layoffs hit hard in 2023, right after CEO Dante Buckley bailed. By June 2025, it was lights out for Downpour. The game’s still on, but barely.

Post-acquisition Grade: D+

And that’s the tea on Meta’s VR studio adventure. What a ride. Stay tuned for more, or don’t. Up to you!