Facebook has decided to shut down the Oculus Story Studio. The move marks a shift in Facebook’s policy as the company branches off from being one that focuses on the creation of VR content to one that propels it by other means. Oculus will now be focusing its attention on investing in VR as compared to actually creating new stuff.
Speaking on the topic, Oculus VP of Content Jason Rubin said:
After careful consideration, we’ve decided to shift our focus away from internal content creation to support more external production. As part of that shift, we’ll be winding down Story Studio.
We already know how the company has already invested over $250 million into original content, or rather, original VR content. It was also putting the same amount into original content plays in a bid to take upon the likes of Rift and Gear VR.
Now, $50 million of the said funds will be put aside so that the company can invest into non-gaming content, exclusively.
In case you are unaware of Oculus Studio, it was founded in 2012 as a way for the company as a way for it to explore the creation of original content. It has got several prizes to its credit as well, including an Emmy award for Henry. Movies aren’t all the company creates either and it has also come up with a VR painting project that lets users create content inside VR. That particular project is called Quill. It will remain available for downloads though it won’t receive updates any longer.
Around 50 people will be laid off as part of the proposed cut.
