After more than 20 years in the gaming industry developing titles for platforms like the PSP and Meta Quest (formerly Oculus Rift), Ready at Dawn Studios has been shut down.
The closure, effective immediately, comes as part of budgetary constraints at Reality Labs and the aim for Oculus Studios to have a stronger long-term impact in VR development, as reported by Android Central. Former employees confirmed the news on LinkedIn, with Oculus Studios encouraging laid-off workers to apply for other positions within the company.
Founded in 2003 by ex-Naughty Dog members, Ready at Dawn made its mark with PSP games like Daxter and God of War: Chains of Olympus. Its foray into VR gaming with Lone Echo in 2017 led to its acquisition by Oculus Studios. The studio’s final game, Lone Echo 2, released in 2021, but support for Echo VR was discontinued shortly after to focus on other projects.
In 2023, Ready at Dawn experienced layoffs amid Meta’s company-wide cuts, which affected thousands of employees, as reported by Eurogamer.
Meta’s recent financial report for the second quarter of 2024 showed significant losses in its Reality Labs division, with an operating loss of $4.49 billion. Despite this, the company remains committed to investing in VR and AR technologies, as indicated in an earnings call transcript. Meta is focusing on the development of Quest 3 headset and AR glasses.
Meta assures that further cuts to games development are not expected, with a spokesperson affirming to Android Central.
