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

Sure, let’s dive into this. Buckle up because I’m about to take you on a bit of a journey here. So, between 2019 and 2022, Meta (which, by the way, seems to have had more shopping sprees than I have cups of coffee in a week) went wild and snapped up nine — yep, nine — VR studios. They were on a mission, let me tell you. Anyway, I’ll paint you a picture of what on Earth happened over these six years. Spoiler alert: it was a mix of big wins and some… not-so-happy endings.

Okay, quick side note here – as you read this, keep in mind that it’s October 2024, an era where Meta is still doing Meta things. I can’t keep up with them, seriously.

So, when Meta buys a studio, a few things happen. First, the studio gets a treasure chest of stuff – resources, IP connections, stability (whatever that means, right?). But dreams of freedom? Yeah, kiss those goodbye because now, they’re meta-fied.

Alright, enough blabbing. Let’s check out those studio stories.

### Beat Games – The Ones Behind Beat Saber, Grabbed in 2019

Alright, so Meta gets Beat Games, right? It’s all about keeping Beat Saber jazzed up, you know, fresh tunes, spiffy features. They promised independence – more freedom than a bird in the sky. Maybe.

But back to the point – multiplayer showed up! That’s the biggie we got. Though, stuff like custom lightsabers? Not happening. And the whole mixed reality thing – fizzled out quicker than a cheap firework. No major shifts in Beat Saber’s world. You’d think they’d move on to something new, but nope. Nada.

Oh, and little drama in 2025 – dropped the PSVR/2 version like a hot potato. Bye-bye updates, bye-bye new features. Multiplayer, too, is going on a permanent vacation in early 2026. The kicker? They’ve got something brewing, claiming it’s the “next big leap for Beat Saber.” Wait and see, I guess.

But Beat Saber’s still raking it in. Familiar beats, same old formula. The founders must have had enough because they’ve all left. See ya, Meta’s in charge now.

### Post-acquisition Grade: B–

### Sanzaru Games – Famous For Asgard’s Wrath, Bagged in 2020

Okay, Sanzaru – they’re the crew behind Asgard’s Wrath. A year before Meta swooped in, they made this epic RPG. Big things were promised, and they didn’t disappoint. Hello, Asgard’s Wrath 2! Squeezed it into Quest 2 and 3 – impressive, no? Especially since the original was a PC beast.

Fans adore it, even gave it love with a 4.2/5. Took a solid four years to deliver, but hey, good stuff takes time, right? As of 2025, more updates – nah, game’s gone autopilot. They claim they’re on another “big thing,” whatever that means.

### Post-acquisition Grade: B+

### Ready at Dawn – Known for Lone Echo & Echo VR, Snatched 2020, Closed 2024

Alright, onto Ready at Dawn – they were riding high with Lone Echo. Released in 2017, way before Quest was rocking it. The zero-G locomotion, truly a game-changer. They even spun Echo VR out of it.

Jumping to 2020, Meta grabs them and aims to finish Lone Echo II. Released it, yep, but Echo VR didn’t follow to Quest. Fans miffed? You bet. Just three years post-acquisition and Meta pulls the plug. Bye, Ready at Dawn. Thanks for the memories.

### Post-acquisition Grade: F+ (A for effort, though)

### Downpour Interactive – Behind Onward, Acquired 2021, Shut Down 2025

Let’s not forget Downpour. They gave us Onward. Meta sees potential in 2021, grabs them. Onward’s journey was rocky but found its footing, collecting loads of user love (4.2/5 if you’re counting).

But then, 2023 throws a curveball – layoffs hit ’em hard, same goes for Ready at Dawn. Founder up and leaves just before the storm, go figure. Finally, 2025 rolls around, and Downpour’s closing announcement is like, “That’s all folks.” Still, servers hum along, but it’s on borrowed time.

### Post-acquisition Grade: D+

Phew, okay, that’s the scoop so far. Gonna catch my breath now. See you on page two!