TL;DR
A leak has revealed that Vertigo Games was developing a Tomb Raider VR game before it was canceled earlier this year. The leak includes concept art, gameplay footage, and details about the project, which was abruptly halted in January 2026.
Leaked images and gameplay footage have confirmed that Vertigo Games was working on an unannounced Tomb Raider VR game before its cancellation in January 2026. The project, codenamed ‘Project U,’ involved over 50 developers and targeted Quest 3, PSVR 2, and PC VR headsets, according to sources. This leak provides the first concrete evidence of the game’s existence and its abrupt end, highlighting a significant development in the VR gaming landscape.
The leak, obtained from an internal source and reported by MP1st, includes a collection of concept art, screenshots, and a 15-minute gameplay video. The footage shows Lara Croft exploring a Mesopotamia-inspired desert environment, utilizing gear such as a bow, pistols, and a submachine gun. An innovative feature appears to be a wristband indicating health and oxygen levels, suggesting underwater segments or environmental hazards.
The concept art depicts various enemies, both human and supernatural, with a storyline seemingly centered around a ‘supernatural infection,’ which causes enemies to show signs of affliction. A notable element is an early boss fight involving a giant guardian statue inspired by Babylonian art, indicating a mythologically infused narrative.
The project’s cancellation was confirmed to MP1st by an anonymous source, coinciding with Vertigo Games’ closure of its Amsterdam studio in June 2025 and broader industry shifts. The studio, known for VR titles like Metro Awakening VR, was reportedly shut down as part of a wider trend of VR studio closures, including Meta’s shuttering of several internal VR projects in early 2026.
Implications for VR Gaming and Tomb Raider Fans
This leak confirms that a major Tomb Raider VR experience was in development, representing a significant potential addition to the franchise’s offerings in immersive gaming. Its cancellation highlights ongoing challenges in VR development, including industry consolidation and shifting corporate priorities, which could impact future VR projects from major IPs.
For fans, the leak offers a rare glimpse into what might have been a groundbreaking adaptation of Lara Croft’s adventures into virtual reality, blending exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The project’s abrupt cancellation raises questions about the future of similar high-profile VR adaptations and the viability of large-scale VR projects in a competitive market.
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VR Industry Trends and Vertigo Games’ Closure
The development and subsequent cancellation of the Tomb Raider VR game reflect broader trends in the VR industry, including the consolidation of studios and shifting focus away from immersive gaming toward AI and smart glasses. Vertigo Games, previously known for titles like Metro Awakening VR, was part of this trend, with its Amsterdam studio shutting down in June 2025 amid industry-wide layoffs and restructuring.
Additionally, the cancellation aligns with Meta’s strategic shift, as the company has closed several internal VR projects, such as a Batman: Arkham sequel and an unannounced Harry Potter VR game, to prioritize AI and hardware development. This suggests a challenging environment for large, ambitious VR titles that rely on significant investment and long development cycles.
“The project was canceled in January 2026, and the leak provides a rare look at what was in development.”
— an anonymous source
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Remaining Questions About the Cancelled VR Game
It is not yet clear whether Vertigo Games or its parent company plans to revisit the Tomb Raider VR concept in the future. Details about the reasons behind the cancellation remain undisclosed, and it is unknown how far along the project was at the time of cancellation. The full scope of the game’s story, mechanics, and whether any assets will be reused also remains unconfirmed.
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Potential Future of Tomb Raider in VR and Industry Impact
While the project appears to be definitively canceled, the leak may influence future VR adaptations of major franchises. Industry analysts will watch to see if other companies or developers pick up similar projects or if this signals a broader retreat from large-scale VR titles. Additionally, fans and industry observers await any official statements from Vertigo Games or its parent company regarding the project’s fate.
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Key Questions
Was the Tomb Raider VR game officially announced before the leak?
No, the game was unannounced and only known through the leaked images and gameplay footage.
Why was the Tomb Raider VR project canceled?
The specific reasons for cancellation have not been publicly disclosed; industry sources suggest it was part of broader studio closures and shifting corporate priorities.
Will there be a future Tomb Raider VR game?
It is currently unknown if the franchise will be revisited in VR, as no official plans have been announced following this leak and cancellation.
What platforms was the Tomb Raider VR game targeting?
The game was reportedly developed for Quest 3, PSVR 2, and PC VR headsets.
Could assets from the canceled project be reused in other titles?
This remains unconfirmed; it is unclear whether any concept art or assets will be repurposed for future projects.
Source: Road to VR
