Toast Interactive shuts Down, Citing Quest Store Obstacles
Table of Contents
- 1. Toast Interactive shuts Down, Citing Quest Store Obstacles
- 2. “Heartbreaking Decision” and Uncertain Future
- 3. PlayStation VR2 and Hand Tracking Plans Remain on track
- 4. Quest Store Discoverability Issues Hampered Sales of Max Mustard
- 5. A Broader Trend of Developer Concerns
- 6. From Quest to Horizon: How Meta’s Shifting Priorities Are Affecting Developers
- 7. Call to Action
- 8. What specific challenges did Toast Interactive face with discoverability on the Meta Quest store,particularly regarding their game Max Mustard?
- 9. Exclusive Interview: Toast Interactive’s Outlook on the Meta Quest Store & The future of VR
- 10. Conversing with Toast Interactive’s Founder, James roberts
- 11. “Heartbreaking Decision” and Uncertain Future
- 12. PlayStation VR2 and Hand Tracking plans Remain on Track
- 13. quest Store Discoverability: A double-Edged sword
- 14. A Broader Trend: Developer Concerns on the Quest Store
- 15. Thoughts for the Future of VR
- 16. Call to Action
Australian VR studio Toast Interactive, known for titles like Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard, has closed its doors and laid off most of its staff. The studio cited challenges with the Meta Quest store as a important factor contributing to this arduous decision.
“Heartbreaking Decision” and Uncertain Future
In a statement released on social media, Toast Interactive described the closure as a “heartbreaking decision” and expressed its support for the affected staff.While the studio will continue to work on Richie’s Plank Experience and Max mustard, the extent of their involvement remains unclear.
PlayStation VR2 and Hand Tracking Plans Remain on track
Despite the closure,Toast Interactive assured fans that Richie’s Plank Experience is still slated for release on PlayStation VR2,with 99% certainty according to their recent social media posts. Additionally, the team expressed interest in exploring hand tracking support for both Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard on Sony’s headset, following the successful implementation in Waltz of the Wizard.
Quest Store Discoverability Issues Hampered Sales of Max Mustard
The studio revealed that Max Mustard‘s performance on the Quest Store was considerably hindered by discoverability issues. Toast highlighted their frustration with the algorithm’s lack of visibility,stating:
“We assumed that if it scored a high user rating that it would appear in the vital top-rated category on the store,completing its discovery loop. With its 4.9 (for first few months) and hundreds of reviews, it should have been at the #1 spot of the top rated. but never appeared. Apparently, it’s ‘the algorithm’. Wasn’t in any othre category. Hidden gems? No. Made in Australia? No. Nothing. It was heartbreaking.”
This led to a notable sales increase after a cross-promotion campaign with Richie’s Plank Experience offered a 90% discount code, demonstrating the critical role store presence plays in driving sales for developers.
A Broader Trend of Developer Concerns
Toast Interactive’s experiences with the Meta Quest store resonate with a broader trend of developers expressing concerns about the platform’s shortcomings. UploadVR’s recent report on the Quest Store, which surveyed nearly two dozen VR studios, found widespread dissatisfaction with issues including low discoverability, declining sales, and Meta’s shifting priorities towards Horizon Worlds.
From Quest to Horizon: How Meta’s Shifting Priorities Are Affecting Developers
With growing concerns about declining sales and discoverability, UploadVR spoke with nearly two dozen VR studios to discuss the current state of shipping VR games on Quest.
Call to Action
This news highlights the critical need for platforms like the Meta Quest Store to prioritize developer success. Clear algorithms, improved discoverability, and consistent communication are essential for fostering a thriving VR ecosystem.
What specific challenges did Toast Interactive face with discoverability on the Meta Quest store,particularly regarding their game Max Mustard?
Exclusive Interview: Toast Interactive’s Outlook on the Meta Quest Store & The future of VR
In the wake of its recent closure,Toast Interactive,the Australian VR studio behind hits like Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard,sat down with Archyde to discuss the challenges they faced on the Meta Quest store and their plans for the future of their popular VR games.
Conversing with Toast Interactive’s Founder, James roberts
Their founder, James Roberts, shared insights in this engaging Q&A, ensuring a balanced perspective on the ups and downs of VR development.
“Heartbreaking Decision” and Uncertain Future
Q: James, could you tell us more about the decision to close Toast Interactive?
A: It was an incredibly difficult decision, to say the least. It’s like losing a member of your family. Our team is like a family, and we’ve achieved so much together. But sometimes, even with all your efforts, the numbers don’t add up.
PlayStation VR2 and Hand Tracking plans Remain on Track
Q: Despite the closure, we understand that Richie’s Plank Experience is still coming to PlayStation VR2. Can you share more about this project?
A:Absolutely. The PSVR2 port is largely unaffected by our studio’s closure. It’s a passion project for us, and it’s about 99% certain it’ll be ready for launch on Sony’s headset. Plus, we’re excited to explore hand tracking for both Richie’s Plank and Max Mustard after the success we’ve seen with Waltz of the Wizard.
quest Store Discoverability: A double-Edged sword
Q: Your statement mentioned challenges with the Meta Quest store. Can you elaborate on the issues with discoverability affecting max Mustard?
A:Certainly. The Quest store’s algorithm is quite confusing. Despite Max Mustard’s high user rating and numerous reviews, it never appeared in the top-rated category.And it didn’t appear in any other category either. It’s like it was… invisible. It’s frustrating, but it’s the reality we faced.
A Broader Trend: Developer Concerns on the Quest Store
Q: Toast Interactive’s experiences seem to echo those of many other VR studios. Why do you think that is?
A:I think it’s as we’re all part of the same ecosystem. When platforms shift their priorities, like Meta’s focus on Horizon Worlds, it naturally impacts developers like us. We just want a fair chance to succeed, and that means having clear algorithms, better discoverability, and more open dialog.
Thoughts for the Future of VR
Q: Looking ahead, what advice would you give to aspiring VR developers and studios?
A: VR is still an unbelievable medium with massive potential. But it’s also a challenge.My advice? Be resilient, find your niche, and never stop learning. And support each other – we’re all in this together.
Call to Action
Join the conversation in the comments below, and share your thoughts on Toast Interactive’s experience and the future of VR on the Quest store.
