nDreams is the latest developer to scale back its operations
nDreams, a prominent UK-based VR game developer, is facing tough times, announcing a round of layoffs that could see 17.5% of its workforce lose their jobs. The company, known for creating VR games like Synapse, Fracked, Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, and Phantom: Covert Ops, is grappling with the challenges of a difficult VR games market and a broader gaming industry downturn.
The Farnborough-based studio made the announcement through LinkedIn, explaining that these layoffs are a necessary response to a “challenging VR games market” and will enable them to better serve their audiences in the future. According to CEO Patrick O’Luanaigh, the layoffs could impact all levels of the company, including senior leadership, as part of a restructuring process. He emphasized that the decision, while painful, is aimed at positioning nDreams to continue creating “medium-defining titles for years to come.”
Despite the layoffs, nDreams remains committed to its upcoming releases. The company is set to launch two new VR games, Vendetta Forever and Frenzies, on Meta Quest and PlayStation VR2 headsets next month. Vendetta Forever is described as a chaotic puzzle-like shooter, similar to Superhot VR, while Frenzies will be a free-to-play multiplayer shooter. nDreams has assured fans that these titles will not be affected by the restructuring.
The layoffs at nDreams come at a time when the gaming industry as a whole is facing significant challenges. Major companies, including Microsoft, EA, Sony, Unity, and Epic Games, have all conducted layoffs over the past year. This has been especially noticeable in the VR sector, where notable studios like Meta’s Ready at Dawn, Sony’s London Studio, and indie developer Archiact have either closed or downsized their operations.
The news has sparked concern among VR enthusiasts and developers, who are closely watching how this downturn in the gaming industry will affect the future of VR. nDreams has been a key player in the space for years, and while the market has seen significant growth in certain areas, it has also been hit by challenges like high production costs, limited consumer adoption, and competition from larger gaming platforms.
Despite these obstacles, nDreams remains focused on its vision. The company’s leadership seems determined to navigate the current market difficulties and continue developing innovative VR experiences. They hope that the restructuring will provide a foundation for future success, ensuring that nDreams remains a significant player in the evolving VR landscape.
For now, the focus is on supporting the team and ensuring the upcoming releases are successful. As the gaming industry continues to shift, only time will tell how nDreams, and the broader VR sector, will adapt and grow in the coming years.
