Studio Closure
Ongoing coverage on Studio Closure.
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Rapport: Mindseye-utvecklaren är på väg att slå igen
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio founded by Grand Theft Auto veteran Leslie Benzies, appears to be on the verge of closure. Multiple developers have reported being laid off, and sources suggest the company is shutting down. The studio's game, Mindseye, received significant criticism and was named Metacritic's worst game of the year.
Studio Behind GTA-Like PlayStation 5 Game Shuts Down
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the PlayStation 5 game MindsEye, is shutting down permanently after multiple rounds of layoffs and accusations of unlawful employee monitoring. The IWGB Games Worker Union has stated its commitment to seeking justice for the workers. Several employees have confirmed their departure from the company.
Sega-owned Rovio is shutting down its Copenhagen studio
Sega-owned Rovio is shutting down its Copenhagen studio, resulting in the cancellation of the mobile game Sonic Blitz and the redundancy of approximately 20 employees. The company cited that player retention for Sonic Blitz did not meet expectations. This closure follows a series of other shutdowns and layoffs within Rovio and Sega.
Report: FIFA World Cup developer Refactor Games shuttered by Delphi Interactive
Refactor Games, the developer behind FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, has reportedly been shuttered by its part-owner Delphi Interactive shortly after the game's release on Netflix Games. Multiple former employees confirmed the studio closure, citing a sudden pull of funding from the parent company. The exact number of impacted individuals is currently unclear.
Vermila Studios lays off its staff, studio closure a 'feasible possibility' in coming months
Vermila Studios, the developer of Crisol: Theater of Idols, has laid off 19 staff members due to financial difficulties, with studio closure being a significant possibility in the coming months. The studio, founded in 2020 and previously acquired by Embracer Group, is now facing an uncertain future after splitting from Embracer and publishing its game with Blumhouse Games.
Alpha Dog Games founders reacquire studio from Microsoft following 2024 closure
Alpha Dog Games has reacquired its studio from Microsoft, returning to independent ownership after being shut down by Microsoft in 2024. Co-founder Shawn Woods expressed gratitude for Microsoft's cooperation during the transition and excitement for the studio's future, though specific projects are not yet being discussed. The Nova Scotia-based studio, founded in 2012 and previously acquired by Bethesda in 2019, is exploring new opportunities with partners.
After Xbox Pulls Funding, Hitman Dev Is Closing A Studio And Laying People Off
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio and laying off staff after Xbox withdrew funding for its upcoming RPG, Project Fantasy. The studio has regained full ownership of the project and its IP, but these cuts were deemed necessary for the company's long-term future and to focus on its core internal titles.
IO Interactive closing Istanbul studio after regaining control of Project Fantasy
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio following Xbox's withdrawal of financing for the online RPG Project Fantasy. Although IO Interactive has regained full ownership of the project, the studio must now find a new balance and focus on its main internal titles. The closure is described as a necessary step to ensure the long-term future of the independent AAA developer and publisher.
Compulsion Games Staff Seek Work Amid Closure Reports
Several employees of Compulsion Games are actively seeking new employment opportunities, leading to speculation about the studio's potential closure or significant restructuring. The public job-seeking efforts of staff have raised concerns about the company's future.
Psychonauts dev Double Fine responds to reports that Microsoft is shutting down the studio amid Xbox cuts
Reports indicate Microsoft is considering closing Double Fine Productions, along with Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory, as part of cost-cutting measures within its Xbox division. While no official announcement has been made, Double Fine's social media response suggests uncertainty about the studio's future and potential independence.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
Xbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers…
Xbox is reportedly planning to close Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few, just days after announcing impending layoffs. While no official statement has been made, multiple employees have indicated they are seeking new work. This comes despite recent praise from Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty, for the studio's award-winning work.
XBOX reportedly shutting down South of Midnight studio as part of new CEO’s ‘reset’
Xbox is reportedly shutting down the studio behind the upcoming game South of Midnight as part of a new CEO's strategic reset. This move signals a significant shift in the company's internal development strategy.
Microsoft Has Reportedly Shut Down South of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games
Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. The closure would mark the end of operations for the Canadian developer.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve a Studio Closure
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, potentially affecting thousands of employees and possibly including the closure of a studio. This comes amid reports of declining annual revenue despite substantial investments, leading to a reassessment of business strategies and a potential shift back towards console exclusives.
Ubisoft continues down the spiral, shuts down yet another studio
Ubisoft has announced the closure of another studio, which originally opened in 2018 as a support studio. This marks another instance of studio closures for the company.
Union claims Nacon's decision to shutter Spiders was a "premeditated and deliberate choice"
French union Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) has accused Nacon of a "premeditated and deliberate choice" in closing the Spiders studio, affecting 71 workers. The union claims Nacon's financial arrangements and mismanagement, including cancelling "Project Dark" and refusing new contracts, led to Spiders' insolvency. STJV is calling for a boycott of Nacon and has highlighted past worker concerns and strikes regarding studio management.
Greedfall developer Spiders set to close
The Paris-based game developer Spiders, known for Greedfall: The Dying World, is set to close after its parent company Nacon failed to find a buyer. The studio confirmed its liquidation, stating that it will cease functions immediately, though Nacon will release the planned DLC. This follows reports of the cancellation of another project and insolvency filings by several Nacon subsidiaries.
GreedFall and Steel Rising Developer Spiders is Shutting Its Doors – Rumor
Reports suggest that Spiders, the development studio behind GreedFall and Steelrising, is reportedly shutting down due to Nacon's inability to find a buyer. The studio's workforce of approximately 70 employees is expected to be laid off, and Nacon Tech has also met a similar fate.
Steelrising, GreedFall PS5 Dev Spiders Confirms It's Closing Its Doors
French game studio Spiders, known for Steelrising and GreedFall, is officially closing down and moving into liquidation. The studio confirmed the news following reports of serious financial troubles at its publisher, Nacon. Spiders will cease all operations after the release of DLC for GreedFall: The Dying World.
