VR Pioneer and ‘Primal Hunt’ Developer Phaser Lock Interactive Closing Its Doors

Phaser Lock Interactive has decided to close its doors, marking a significant moment in the studio’s history. Known for the Quest-exclusive Primal Hunt (2023) and an array of pioneering PC VR games, the decision comes amid tough economic conditions and a rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

Established in 2015 in Austin, Texas, this innovative VR studio made a name for itself with several PC VR offerings over the years. These included the action-packed bow shooter Twisted Arrow (2016) and strategic hits like Final Approach (2016) and Final Assault (2019).

In the year 2023, Phaser Lock rolled out Primal Hunt, a thrilling dino-hunting game that brought back the engaging bow-shooting mechanics of Twisted Arrow within a Turok-esque solo adventure, made exclusively for the Quest platform.

Despite earning a respectable 4.3 out of 5 from users on the Horizon Store, Primal Hunt struggled to captivate a wider audience. As of now, only 201 users have shared their reviews of the game, which was listed at $30 and tagged for mature audiences.

Following the release of Primal Hunt on Quest, Phaser Lock shifted gears, focusing on adapting the game into a multiplayer format for Roblox. This free-to-play edition gained traction, notching up over 5.4 million visits. However, the last update from the studio was in April 2024, casting uncertainty over the game’s ongoing development.

Adding to the studio’s woes, co-founder and former executive Michael Daubert left in June 2024, as reported on LinkedIn, leaving the future trajectory of Phaser Lock increasingly ambiguous.

In a heartfelt statement on its website, Phaser Lock wrote:

"End of an Era"

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure of Phaser Lock Interactive. Despite our relentless efforts to realize our creative vision, the challenging economic climate and shifting dynamics of the gaming industry have made it impossible for us to continue. To our devoted fans and incredible community, your support has been invaluable throughout our journey. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and belief in our work have been deeply appreciated. Although this chapter is concluding, the memories we’ve created together will endure. Thank you for being part of our story."

As Phaser Lock Interactive concludes its journey, it leaves behind a legacy of creativity and community spirit that will be fondly remembered by its fans and the gaming industry at large.