Meta’s Acquisition of 9 Top VR Studios Since 2019: A Look at What’s Unfolded

Sure, here’s a rewritten version:

So, picture this: Meta between 2019 and 2022 was basically on a VR studio shopping spree. Snapped up nine big names by now. Let’s dive into how this rollercoaster ride of acquisitions and, um, shutdowns unfolded over these years.

First off, when Meta buys you, you’re kinda feeling like you hit the jackpot. More resources, a shiny new network, all that jazz. But, yeah, suddenly you’re also on a tight leash, keeping those older games pumped like never before.

Nine studios they nabbed, and only a handful actually delivered some groundbreaking stuff post-acquisition. All right, let’s start with the big hitters.

Beat Games – Makin’ Waves with Beat Saber since 2019

Meta saw Beat Games and just went, “Yeah, that’s ours now.” This move was all about keeping Beat Saber fresh. You got regular updates, music packs from top artists, but dun-dun-duuun, multiplayer was the actual showstopper. Oh, but guess what? Stuff like custom sabers? Still gathering dust in the idea pile.

Fast forward a bit, it’s June 2025, and Meta’s like, "Hey PSVR folks, sorry, no more Beat Saber updates beyond this point, multiplayer included." There’s chatter about a “big leap” though. Meh, probably more chart-toppers and such for now.

Oh, and the folks who started it all? Jan, Jaroslav, and Vladimir? Yeah, they’ve all moved on. So, Beat Games? Kinda Meta’s puppet now.

Score Post-Acquisition: Meh… B–

Sanzaru Games – Big Odysseys since 2020

This crew gave us Asgard’s Wrath in 2019, and boy, did Meta wanna ride that wave. By 2023, Asgard’s Wrath 2 popped up like a surprise gift, working some magic on Quest 2 and 3. Pretty snazzy visually, too. People gave it a thumbs-up (4.2/5 on the user scale).

Took ’em long enough—four years, but they got there. Ding-ding, January 2025, they wrap up Asgard’s Wrath 2 and say, “Catch you later!” They’re allegedly cooking something new. We wait.

Grade: Better, B+

Ready at Dawn – Echoes to Silence, 2020-2024

Ready at Dawn? These guys gave us Lone Echo, with its mind-boggling zero-G moves. Meta scooped them in 2020, banking on their stellar knack for VR drama. Lone Echo II showed up in 2021, but as for Echo VR? Well, plans kinda fizzled there.

Out of nowhere, Ready at Dawn pulled the plug on Echo VR just three years after hopping aboard Meta’s spaceship. Fans? Not too thrilled. Promise hung in the air for a next project — until 2024 when Meta decided to shut the studio down. Welp.

Score: F+ but hey, they tried

Downpour Interactive – Onward and Onward-ish, 2021-2025

Onward? A military sim player legend before Meta moved in, looking ready to pump it up in 2021. Quest launch was a bumpy ride, but loyal fans stuck around, boosting its rating to a 4.2 with a solid review crowd.

Fast-forward to 2023, and the team got hit by some sad layoffs. Creator Dante Buckley left the scene just before the ax swung down. June 2025, Meta called time on Downpour Interactive after Onward’s 2.0 flare. Servers still alive, but life support vibes are strong.

Post-acquisition Performance: D+

And the story continues… well, for now.

Hope this helps give it a raw, human touch!