Full Breakdown
Moss: The Forgotten Relic – Polyarc’s First Non-VR Release After Major Project Cancellation
5/15/2026, 12:49:41 PM
Announcement of Non-VR Port
Polyarc announced that its two VR titles, Moss (2018) and Moss: Book II (2022), will be merged into a single flatscreen game, Moss: The Forgotten Relic. The title requires no headset and is slated for a summer 2024 launch on Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox.
Funding Setback and Workforce Reduction
In April, Polyarc disclosed a two-thirds staff cut after an “unsuccessful team-wide effort to secure funding following the cancellation of a major project.” The reduction follows Meta’s recent pullback on XR funding, which has shuttered internal studios Sanzaru Games, Armature Studio and Twisted Pixel, and withdrawn support from third-party projects such as Skydance Games’ Harry Potter VR.
Game Details and Enhancements
The port will feature enhanced visuals, new handcrafted cutscenes, a smart-follow camera system, optional combat skip, and all Twilight Garden DLC. Polyarc says the experience both enhances and reimagines the original titles for non-VR play.
Industry Implications
Shifting a VR-only franchise to flatscreen underscores growing pressure on VR-focused developers. Similar patterns appear in the exits of Playful’s Lucky’s Tale (2016) and Team Asobi’s Astro Bot Rescue Mission (2018), both of which have not released new VR titles since their debut.
Official Statements
Polyarc stressed its deep personal connection to Moss’s world and characters and said it is eager to let a broader audience share the wonder, mystery, and heart of the series. The studio also acknowledged the funding shortfall that prompted the cancelled project and layoffs.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators label the flatscreen release a “Hail Mary” effort, suggesting it is a low-cost way to recoup losses after the downsizing. The broader trend of studio closures and reduced third-party XR funding fuels concern that flagship VR platformers may become scarce.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not clarify the cancelled project's identity; it is unknown whether it was a new Moss entry or an unrelated title.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our team has a deeply personal connection with the world and characters of Moss,” — Danny Bulla, co-founder & design director, Polyarc
- “With The Forgotten Relic, we're excited to invite players into Quill's journey to share the wonder, mystery, and heart at the center of Moss.” — Danny Bulla
- “unsuccessful team-wide effort to secure funding following the cancellation of a major project,” — Polyarc statement (April 2024)
- “smart follow” camera — Polyarc feature description
Future Outlook
Moss: The Forgotten Relic is scheduled for a summer 2024 release on the announced platforms. Polyarc has not disclosed any upcoming VR titles, leaving its future VR strategy uncertain.
