Facebook Acquires Onward VR Developer | Latest News

Facebook Acquires VR Studio Downpour Interactive

Following a period of significant studio purchases in late 2019 and early 2020, Facebook has been relatively subdued regarding expansion of its virtual reality content division.

This changes today with the announcement of Facebook’s acquisition of Downpour Interactive, the creators of the well-known VR first-person shooter, Onward.

Onward's Continued Availability

The game, currently accessible on Facebook’s Rift and Quest platforms, as well as Steam, has consistently ranked among the best-selling titles within the virtual reality market.

Facebook confirms that Onward will remain available on VR hardware not owned by Facebook.

Strategic Implications of the Acquisition

This acquisition is particularly noteworthy considering Facebook’s recent endeavor to develop its own large-scale first-person shooter.

They previously collaborated with Respawn Entertainment, the developers of Apex Legends, investing heavily in a Medal of Honor VR title.

However, the release of Medal of Honor VR last December was met with a lukewarm reception from critics.

Details of the Deal

The financial terms of the Downpour Interactive acquisition were not disclosed by Facebook.

It was stated, however, that the complete Downpour Interactive team will be integrated into Oculus Studios.

In a blog post announcing the deal, Mike Verdu, Facebook’s VP of AR/VR Content, lauded Onward as a “multiplayer masterpiece.”