Polyarc Games, Developer of VR Experiences, Announces Staff Reductions

As of April 1, 2026, Polyarc Games has verified with GamesIndustry.biz that the company has undergone a restructuring process, resulting in the loss of 30 jobs. Initially, on March 31, 2026, the Seattle-based VR game development studio announced that it would be implementing company-wide layoffs, although the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed at the time. The decision was reportedly made due to the company's inability to secure funding following the cancellation of a major project. In a statement published on LinkedIn, Polyarc Games expressed its gratitude to the departing staff members, acknowledging their contributions to the company's growth and game development. The studio, founded in 2015 by former Bungie developers, had previously received significant funding, including $3.5 million in 2016 for the development of Moss and $9 million in Series B funding in 2020 to explore augmented reality. The current layoffs reflect a larger trend within the VR industry, as seen in Meta's recent reductions to its Reality Labs workforce. Meta reduced its workforce by 10% earlier this year, resulting in the closure of several game development studios. The company has since made additional cuts, eliminating 700 roles across various divisions. According to a Meta spokesperson, these changes are part of the company's regular restructuring process to ensure it is well-positioned to achieve its goals, and efforts are being made to provide support to affected employees.