What's Happening?
The free-to-play multiplayer VR shooter game, Frenzies, is set to shut down in April following the closure of its development studio, Near Light. The game, which launched in Early Access on Quest in October 2024, was part of nDreams' portfolio. However,
due to a massive restructuring within nDreams, two of their in-house studios, including Near Light, are closing. Despite efforts to sustain the game, Frenzies did not achieve the necessary player numbers for long-term viability. As a farewell gesture, players logging in will receive one thousand 'Fundz', and all in-game items will be available for one Fundz each. Refunds are available for players who made real-world purchases.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Frenzies highlights the challenges faced by VR game developers in maintaining player engagement and financial sustainability. The decision underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where even innovative platforms like VR must meet high user expectations and financial benchmarks. This development may impact the VR gaming community by reducing available multiplayer options and could influence future investment and development strategies within the VR sector. Players who invested time and money in the game may feel disenfranchised, affecting their trust in similar future projects.
What's Next?
As Frenzies prepares to go offline, players are encouraged to take advantage of the final in-game offers. The closure may prompt discussions within the VR gaming community about the sustainability of free-to-play models and the importance of player retention strategies. Developers and investors might reassess their approaches to VR game development, focusing on creating more engaging and financially viable products. The industry will likely monitor the impact of this closure on player sentiment and future VR game launches.
