In a significant development within the VR gaming industry, First Contact Entertainment, the developer known for its Firewall series for PlayStation VR, has announced the closure of its studio. The company has been active for nearly eight years but cited the lack of industry support for virtual reality as the primary reason for its shutdown. The statement highlighted the financial impracticality of continuing operations as a AAA VR developer. First Contact Entertainment's contributions to VR gaming include notable titles such as Firewall Zero Hour for PS VR and the more recent Firewall Ultra for PS VR2, as well as Solaris Offworld Combat which was released on PS VR and Oculus platforms. The closure of the studio marks a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by VR-focused game developers.

Why has First Contact Entertainment, the studio behind Firewall Zero Hour, closed its doors?

First Contact Entertainment has closed its doors due to the lack of support for virtual reality in the gaming industry, which made it financially unsustainable for them to continue as a AAA VR developer.

First Contact Entertainment, founded in 2016, quickly became a respected name in the VR industry. Their debut with the highly tactical shooter Firewall Zero Hour leveraged the immersive capabilities of VR, leading to a significant fanbase and acclaim for its engaging multiplayer gameplay. Competing in an emerging market, First Contact Entertainment aimed to provide AAA-quality experiences in virtual reality, a medium still finding its foothold within the broader gaming landscape. Their decision to cease operations underscores the volatility and the growth challenges this niche within the gaming industry is currently facing.