PowerWash Simulator Developer Ending VR Support Because it “Costs Us More Than it Makes”

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The developers of PowerWash Simulator, FuturLab, have declared they won’t be supporting virtual reality (VR) platforms anymore. Although the main game and all prior DLC for PowerWash Simulator in VR will stay accessible, the team is shifting their focus to other projects instead. This means you might not receive future DLC on Meta Quest. In a message posted across the game’s social media channels, FuturLab CEO Kirsty Rigden didn’t completely dismiss the possibility of future support, expressing her love and faith in VR. However, she emphasized that “job security for my team” would always be her priority.

In a challenging situation, we found ourselves at a juncture: Our dedicated and compassionate VR (Virtual Reality) team was working on a platform that exceeded in quality but fell short in profitability, while simultaneously having vacant positions on other projects. We made the choice to reassign our VR team members to those open roles on other projects instead.

Although this news might dishearten players of PowerWash Simulator on Meta Quest devices, the reasoning behind FuturLab’s decision is tough to contest. As a smaller studio, it seems impractical to invest funds into a non-profitable platform. With numerous layoffs in the gaming industry recently, it’s heartening to see a studio managing to retain its team, even if that means forgoing VR support. This means the staff can now focus on projects like the upcoming Wallace & Grommit Special Pack for PowerWash Simulator instead.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, it’s no shocker that Rigden is talking about the profitability of Virtual Reality (VR) not being as expected. Many of us thought this tech would be the next gaming revolution, but truth be told, it’s still quite niche. Bigwigs like Meta and PlayStation have poured in a lot of cash into VR development, yet the market hasn’t seen much growth over the past few years.

There are several reasons for this. First off, the cost is a major barrier for many gamers like myself. Second, there aren’t many exclusive games that truly stand out and draw players in. In an era where PlayStation’s VR future seems uncertain, it’s hardly surprising that innovative studios like FuturLab are choosing to step away from VR releases.

It’s intriguing to consider whether FuturLab’s decision might spark a broader trend among smaller VR game studios. Many such studios are grappling with similar challenges, so it’s plausible that other gaming companies could start to abandon VR and redirect their resources towards areas of greater success. This shift could potentially worry VR enthusiasts, but for now, we can only wait and observe the situation unfold.

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2025-01-13 21:43