Layoffs in Meta’s virtual reality division led to the sequel for the VR game Batman: Arkham Shadow being cancelled.
Camouflaj is the VR studio that created the latest game in the popular Arkham franchise. But the layoffs either shuttered or reduced many VR studios including Camouflaj. Arkham Shadow launched in 2024 as a VR-exclusive prequel to Arkham Asylum. The game followed an early-career Batman as he battled the Rat King. It also was important for dramatizing the introduction of Dick Grayson into the Arkham universe.
Arkham Shadow gained good reviews and plays from Arkham fans. In less than a year, it achieved over 1 million players. Reportedly it was so successful that they began development for a follow-up to the game. But unfortunately now the next installment of the Arkham series is unlikely to happen thanks to the massive layoffs sweeping the VR sector of Meta.
How Meta’s Layoff’s Affect ‘Arkham Shadow’
Former Microsoft employee Ryan Payton created Camouflaj as an independent gaming studio. It gained attention for using crowdfunding to start work on its debut project Republique. The game was successful on the traditional platforms before switching over to the VR space. After a few more VR game hits, Oculus- which is owned by Meta- bought the company in 2022. For a while, Meta was focused on VR and making content for their MetaVerse platform. However, since the MetaVerse has not been as successful for the company, Meta is moving away from it. Now it is putting its focus on developing their Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms.
It sucks that Meta’s shift away from VR affects little things like another Batman game. Fans have showed time and time again, they can’t get enough of Batman gaming. The cancellation has nothing to do with the game’s critical reception or its commercial success. It merely is another by-product of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s changing priorities.
Source: geekwire.com
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