Phaser Lock Interactive, renowned for their exclusive Quest title Primal Hunt (2023) and an array of early PC VR games, has announced its closure. The studio cites a tough economic climate and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry as the reason behind this difficult decision.
Since its inception in 2015, the Austin, Texas-based company has developed several notable VR titles for PC. Their portfolio includes the bow-shooting adventure Twisted Arrow (2016) and real-time strategy games like Final Approach (2016) and Final Assault (2019).
Earlier this year, Phaser Lock unveiled Primal Hunt, a thrilling dino-hunting experience that built upon the bow mechanics introduced in Twisted Arrow. This game, inspired by Turok-like adventures, was launched exclusively on the Quest platform.
Despite receiving a respectable 4.3 out of 5 user rating on the Horizon Store, Primal Hunt struggled to find a widespread audience. As of now, only 201 players have left reviews for the ‘M’ rated game, which was initially priced at $30.
Following its launch on Quest, Phaser Lock redirected its focus from being a full-time VR studio to developing a multiplayer iteration of Primal Hunt for Roblox. This free-to-play version performed well, boasting over 5.4 million visits. However, the game saw its last update in April 2024, leaving the future of Primal Hunt a bit uncertain.
In June 2024, things took another turn as co-founder and former executive Michael Daubert parted ways with the company, as noted on his LinkedIn profile. This departure further muddled the studio’s direction and future plans.
The studio released a heartfelt statement on their website:
END OF AN ERA
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Phaser Lock Interactive. Although we’ve tirelessly pursued our creative vision, the current economic environment and challenges within the gaming industry have left us with no viable path forward. We extend our deepest gratitude to our devoted fans and the fantastic community that has stood by us. Your enthusiasm, support, and faith in our projects have been invaluable. While this chapter comes to an end, the cherished memories we’ve made together will endure. Thank you for being an integral part of our story.
