Meta Shuts Down Sanzaru Games and Twisted Pixel

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

Meta has closed multiple VR gaming studios, including Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio, affecting hundreds of employees within the Reality Labs division.
The closures affect developers of popular VR games such as The Maw, Asgards Wrath 2, Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, Comic Jumper, and more.
Meta is focusing on AI research and its wearable device division, including smart glasses, following the closures and ongoing losses in the VR and metaverse sector.
The developers behind the VR fitness app Supernatural will no longer create new content or features for the app.

Meta Closes Multiple VR Gaming Studios, Affecting Developers of ‘The Maw’ and ‘Asgard’s Wrath 2

Meta has closed three virtual-reality gaming studios—Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio—as part of ongoing layoffs impacting roughly ten employees within its Reality Labs division, which focuses on VR and metaverse initiatives through Oculus Studios. These studio closures affect the creators of the following titles: Twisted Pixel Games, known for games such as The Maw, ‘Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, Comic Jumper, and Marvel’s Deadpool VR. Sanzaru Games, recognized for titles like Secret Agent Clank, The Sly Collection, God of War Collection, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, and Asgard’s Wrath 2. Meta acquired Sanzaru in February 2020, followed by Twisted Pixel and Armature in October 2022. This shift comes despite the company’s previous emphasis on the metaverse as a key growth area. Meta has invested billions in VR but has recorded consecutive annual losses. Meta is now focusing on AI research and its wearable device division, including smart glasses. The developers behind the VR fitness app Supernatural will also no longer create new content or features for the app.

In Case You Missed It

Intrigued by the potential expansion of our favorite RPGs to new platforms, you might want to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s latest post, “Baldur’s Gate 3 on Nintendo Switch 2 is Possible,” published on January 13th. Delving into Swen Vincke’s recent comments about a possible Switch 2 version of Baldur’s Gate 3 and exploring the possibility of external development if it were to happen, Dubinski offers an insightful piece that every RPG enthusiast should take a look at Baldur’s Gate 3 on Nintendo Switch 2 is Possible. Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson takes us on one last flight through the storm in his recent piece, “Anthem Says Farewell Forever – Players Bid Goodbye with Bitterness,” published also on January 13th. This poignant exploration of Anthem’s legacy paints a vivid portrait of an ambitious project that struggled to keep players engaged, as Thompson masterfully weaves together player memories and critiques Anthem Says Farewell Forever – Players Bid Goodbye with Bitterness. As we continue to look ahead with excitement at what the future holds, Bruno Pferd’s recent article on “These Are the 2026 Movies Everyone Wants to See,” published on January 12th, gives us a sneak peek into the diverse range of cinematic experiences awaiting us in just a few years These Are the 2026 Movies Everyone Wants to See. From anticipated adaptations like Super Mario Galaxy and Moana to returns of beloved franchises such as Star Wars and He-Man, there’s plenty to get excited about in Bruno’s article.