Studio Closures
Ongoing coverage on Studio Closures.
Latest coverage
'It's So Sad They're No Longer Around': Fumito Ueda Would Have Liked to Remake ICO with Shuttered Sony Studio Bluepoint
Fumito Ueda expressed disappointment over the closure of Sony's Bluepoint Games studio, stating he had hoped to collaborate with them, potentially on a remake of ICO. Bluepoint, known for its work on Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus, was shut down earlier this year. Ueda's new title, gen ATLAS, is set to release on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5.
After Almost 20 Years, This Prolific RPG Studio Is Shutting Down
Spiders, the Paris-based studio known for games like Greedfall and Steelrising, has officially confirmed it is shutting down and being liquidated. The closure follows financial difficulties experienced by its parent company, Nacon, which is also facing insolvency. Despite the studio's demise, the Greedfall: The Dying World DLC is still set to be released.
GreedFall and Steelrising Dev Spiders Reportedly Shutting Down
Spiders, the development studio behind RPGs like GreedFall and Steelrising, is reportedly shutting down after its parent company Nacon failed to find a buyer. The studio had previously filed for insolvency and experienced layoffs. Its latest game, GreedFall: The Dying World, did not achieve significant player numbers on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Z5 Game Studio Shuts Down Forever, Leaving Players Without Support
Z5 Game Studio has permanently shut down, laying off all employees and ceasing all operations and support for its games. The studio cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the closure, leaving players without future updates or server maintenance. This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by game development studios in the current industry climate.
Ubisoft Halifax union members agree settlement after studio closure
Unionized workers at the now-closed Ubisoft Halifax studio have agreed to a confidential settlement with Ubisoft. CWA Canada Local 30111, representing 61 employees, negotiated the deal for those who lost their jobs when the mobile-focused studio was shuttered in January, shortly after unionizing. Former employees expressed gratitude for the union's efforts in securing the settlement.
Embracer layoffs, Nintendo's patent problem, and is Baby Steps an Uncharted sequel? - Patch Notes #46
Several game development studios have announced layoffs and closures, including Embracer Group's Eidos Montreal and Ivy Road. Shinji Mikami has founded a new studio, Unbound Inc., with Shift Up. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is performing well at the box office, while Nintendo's patent for a sub-character combat mechanic has been rejected. Rec Room is shutting down due to profitability issues, and VR developer Polyarc has also made layoffs.
Former CoD Dev Reacts To New Sony Game Getting Canceled: It "F**king Sucks"
Former Call of Duty developer Jason Blundell's new studio with Sony, Dark Outlaw Games, has been shuttered. Blundell expressed disappointment but understanding regarding the closure, stating they were making a "hell of a game." The studio's unrevealed project was not a live-service game, and its closure is attributed to broader industry factors and Sony's strategic adjustments for long-term sustainability.
IOI Partners no longer wants anything to do with MindsEye
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly undergoing significant layoffs and studio closures, marking the second such event in a month. This follows the cancellation of projects at studios like Deviation Games and Haven Studios, with concerns also raised about Bungie's future and the company's overall strategy for live service games.
Sony's Disastrous First-Party Leadership Culminates in Yet Another Studio Closure
Sony has closed Dark Outlaw Games, a studio led by Treyarch veteran Jason Blundell, before it could release any titles. This closure is part of a broader pattern of Sony's first-party studio management issues during the PlayStation 5 generation. Sony is also shifting away from the mobile game market, despite previously investing heavily in it.
PlayStation's Disastrous First-Party Leadership Culminates in Yet Another Studio Closure
Sony has closed Dark Outlaw Games, a studio led by a Treyarch veteran, before it could release any titles. This closure adds to a pattern of PlayStation first-party studio closures and layoffs across its US and European operations. Sony is also exiting the mobile game market, despite ongoing support for some existing titles.
VR specialist nDreams proposes layoffs and two studio closures
VR specialist nDreams has proposed layoffs and the closure of two studios. Separately, MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, announced its second round of job cuts in eight months, alleging corporate sabotage.
VR specialist nDreams proposes significant layoffs and two studio closures
VR studio nDreams has proposed a significant restructuring plan that includes the closure of two internal studios, Near Light and Compass, and puts 78 employees at risk of redundancy. The company cited challenging market conditions in the VR games sector as the reason for these necessary changes to ensure future viability. CEO Tim Gillo expressed his belief in the VR medium despite the commercial difficulties.
