Phaser Lock Interactive, a name many VR enthusiasts have come to know, is closing its doors. This decision comes amidst tough economic conditions and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, challenges that have proven too steep for the Austin, Texas-based team to overcome.
The studio, established in 2015, has delivered several noteworthy VR experiences. Their early foray into the PC VR arena gave us titles like Twisted Arrow with its engaging bow-shooter mechanics, and strategy gems like Final Approach and its spiritual successor Final Assault.
Earlier this year, they launched Primal Hunt, an adventurous nod to the Turok series that successfully integrated the bow-shooting dynamics of Twisted Arrow. Exclusively available on Quest, Primal Hunt managed to score a solid 4.3 out of 5 on the Horizon Store, yet it’s been tough to capture the wider audience it aimed for. As of now, just 201 players have left their marks with reviews, all for a game priced at $30.
Not long after Primal Hunt hit the market, the studio changed directions slightly. They ventured into developing a multiplayer version of the game for the Roblox platform—a shift that momentarily paid off. The free-to-play version saw some success, boasting over 5.4 million visits. However, the last content update was back in April 2024, sparking questions about what’s next for Primal Hunt.
The situation became more uncertain in June 2024 with the departure of Michael Daubert, one of the co-founders and a former executive. His exit, noted on LinkedIn, left many wondering about the studio’s future roadmap.
Phaser Lock addressed fans and the community directly via a heartfelt statement on their website. In it, they shared the emotional decision to end their journey, expressing gratitude to all those who supported them. The statement reflects on the memories shared and the collective passion that drove their projects forward, even as the studio must now say goodbye.
