VR Pioneer and ‘Primal Hunt’ Developer Phaser Lock Interactive Announces Closure

Phaser Lock Interactive, the creative force behind the Quest-exclusive game Primal Hunt (2023), along with a collection of early PC VR titles, has made the tough decision to close its doors. The company attributes this difficult move to the "challenging economic climate and the current state of the gaming industry."

Established in 2015 in Austin, Texas, this VR-focused studio developed several notable games for PC VR over the years. Their lineup includes the bow-shooter Twisted Arrow (2016) and strategy titles like Final Approach (2016) and Final Assault (2019).

Their most recent release, Primal Hunt, came out in 2023. This game allowed players to immerse themselves in a dinosaur-hunting experience that drew on the bow-shooting mechanics first used in Twisted Arrow. Inspired by the Turok series, it was launched exclusively on the Quest platform.

Even though Primal Hunt secured a commendable user rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on the Horizon Store, it struggled to reach a wider audience. At the time of writing, a mere 201 users had provided reviews for this ‘M’ rated game, which came with a $30 price tag.

After Primal Hunt hit the Quest store, Phaser Lock shifted its focus from a full-time VR studio to creating a multiplayer version for Roblox. This free-to-play adaptation found success, amassing over 5.4 million visits. Nevertheless, the studio’s last update was released in April 2024, leaving the future of Primal Hunt uncertain.

Adding to the instability, in June 2024, Michael Daubert, the co-founder and a former executive at the studio, parted ways with the company, as noted on LinkedIn. This development further clouded the future direction and objectives of Phaser Lock Interactive.

The company issued a heartfelt statement on its website, sharing:

END OF AN ERA

"It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the closure of Phaser Lock Interactive. Despite our unwavering dedication to bringing our ideas to fruition, the economic challenges and the current state of the gaming sector have brought us to this decision. We extend our deepest thanks to our loyal fans and the extraordinary community that stood behind us throughout this journey. Your enthusiasm, support, and faith in what we do have been invaluable. Although this chapter concludes, the memories we have made together will endure. Thank you for being part of our tale."

In these changing times, Phaser Lock’s journey stands as a testament to the passion and creativity that drive the gaming industry, even amidst challenges.