In a troubling development for the gaming industry, XR Games has reportedly implemented significant job cuts after the lackluster launch of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded. Released on September 19, 2023, for a price of $29.99, the VR adaptation of the popular franchise has struggled to capture the same acclaim as its PC and console counterparts.
According to a LinkedIn post from the studio’s former head of production, 72 out of 84 employees were let go, indicating a significant downsizing that raises concerns about the future of the studio’s upcoming projects, including Starship Troopers: Continuum and Zombie Army VR. The post described the staff reductions as “beyond restructuring,” highlighting the emotional impact on those affected.
Despite efforts to address player feedback through planned patches, critics have pointed out that Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded suffers from technical issues and is a disappointing translation of its original format. XR Games has not commented on the job cuts or the game’s reception.
In a competitive VR landscape, another title, Batman: Arkham Shadow, is set to launch on October 22 exclusively for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, with early impressions indicating a more favorable reception. As the gaming community watches closely, the future of XR Games hangs in the balance.
