Phaser Lock Interactive, the creative minds behind the Quest-exclusive Primal Hunt (2023), along with several pioneering PC VR games, has sadly announced its closure. The studio has attributed this decision to the tough economic times and the broader challenges currently facing the gaming industry.
Since its inception in 2015 in Austin, Texas, this VR studio made a name for itself with several PC VR titles. Among their works are the action-packed bow-shooter Twisted Arrow (2016) and two real-time strategy games: Final Approach (2016) and Final Assault (2019).
In 2023, Phaser Lock unveiled Primal Hunt, a dinosaur-hunting game that took inspiration from Turok and carried over the bow-shooting mechanics fans loved in Twisted Arrow. Released exclusively for Quest, the game aimed to captivate players with its adventurous spirit.
While Primal Hunt managed to earn a respectable [4.3/5] rating from users on the Horizon Store, it struggled to find widespread popularity. When this article was written, only 201 users had reviewed the mature-rated game, which carried a $30 price tag.
Following the launch of Primal Hunt on Quest, the team at Phaser Lock switched gears. They focused on developing a multiplayer version of the game for the Roblox platform. This free-to-play adaptation saw significant success, garnering over 5.4 million visits. However, the studio’s last activity on this project was recorded in April 2024, casting doubts over the game’s future.
A further twist came in June 2024, with the departure of co-founder and former executive Michael Daubert, as indicated by updates on LinkedIn, leaving even more uncertainty about the studio’s direction and goals moving forward.
The studio shared the following heartfelt statement on their website:
“END OF AN ERA
It is with profound sadness that we announce the closure of Phaser Lock Interactive. Despite our tireless efforts and dedication to bringing our creative visions to life, the difficult economic conditions and the current situation within the gaming industry have prevented us from continuing. We extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal fans and the incredible community that has supported us throughout this journey. Your passion, encouragement, and faith in what we do have meant everything to us. While this chapter is ending, the memories we’ve built together will last forever. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”
It’s a poignant end for a studio that contributed much to the VR landscape. Their legacy, though, will live on through the games and memories they’ve left behind.
