When it comes to VR videogame development in the UK, nDreams is a veteran powerhouse. The VR studio behind Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Synapse on PSVR 2 and many more, nDreams has now been acquired by Aonic Group for $110 million USD.
Aonic is a video gaming group comprising studios like Tiny Roar and OtherSide Entertainment. Originally, Aonic invested $35 million in nDreams in 2022, helping the studio expand to 250 people. Now the group has announced it’ll fully acquire the VR studio: “continuing the trajectory we are on in a stable, supportive environment, with the rocket fuel to power calculated investments in third-party publishing titles and, potentially, more studio acquisitions,” says an nDreams statement.
nDream’s VR future
nDream’s has always fully focused on VR. From its very early years with titles like Perfect Beach, Danger Goat and The Assembly to more recent action-packed offerings. It then expanded with new studios and into publishing, helping launch Purple Yonder’s Little Cities.
“We set up nDreams in 2006, pivoted to focus exclusively on VR games in 2013, and we’re proud of everything we’ve achieved as an independent company,” reflects Patrick O’Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams. “This is the right moment to welcome the support of Aonic to strengthen our position even further, and seize this critical moment for VR and MR.”
“nDreams has done an unparalleled job bringing some of the biggest VR titles to market, and it was a natural fit for us to welcome them to the Aonic family and provide our studios with the best team when it comes to the VR/MR gaming space,” said Paul Schempp, CEO of Aonic. “This acquisition is yet another example of Aonic’s commitment to championing mid-sized studios and creating an environment where teams can create fantastic games.”
nDreams hasn’t revealed what its next XR project will be. What’s your favourite VR game from the studio? Let us know in the comments.