Meta Quest: Developer pulls the plug on PowerWash Simulator VR
FuturLab discontinues support for PowerWash Simulator VR. The VR implementation is not profitable.
The developer FuturLab has announced that it will discontinue support for PowerWash Simulator VR. Future DLCs and updates for the VR version of the game will therefore no longer be available. The reason given by CEO Kirsty Rigden is that PowerWash Simulator VR "costs us more than it brings in".
In a statement, FuturLab explained that they were faced with a difficult decision: either to continue working with the excellent VR team on a platform that was making a loss, or to transfer the employees to other, open projects and roles. The company opted for the latter in order to secure the team's jobs in the long term.
FuturLab emphasized that they absolutely love VR and believe in it. The decision does not mean that VR will no longer be supported in the future. However, the company is currently not in a position to do so. PowerWash Simulator VR and the existing DLCs will continue to be available for purchase.
No success despite numerous expansions
PowerWash Simulator VR was originally released for Meta Quest 2 and proved very popular. The gameplay, where you use pressure washers to remove virtual dirt from various objects, seemed made for VR. The precise movement controls and the detailed list showing your cleaning progress worked well.
However, fatigue soon set in. In the long run, the virtual washing cycles felt a little dry, especially if you're not a big fan of everyday simulations in general.
Still, PowerWash Simulator VR had a lot going for it: Free updates such as 'The Muckingham Files' added new levels, professions, and locations. Crossover DLCs with franchises such as Back to the Future and Alice in Wonderland were also released.
However, this was apparently not enough to cover the cost of VR development. FuturLab's decision to pull the plug is unfortunate, but understandable. In times of tight budgets and a still relatively small VR market, studios have to set priorities and cannot always afford niche projects.
For players who have already purchased PowerWash Simulator VR, nothing will change: they can continue to immerse themselves in the world of virtual pressure washing. It remains to be seen what will happen with the VR future of the franchise and whether other studios will step into the breach.
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