League Of Geeks, the Australian independent game development studio known for titles like Armello and Solium Infernum, has announced that they are going “into hibernation”. This decision comes after 13 years of being an entirely independent studio and facing the current economic challenges in the gaming industry. The remaining staff will be taking an extended break, with uncertainty about the future of the studio. It seems that the majority of the team has already moved on to other projects, leaving behind a skeleton crew to contemplate the studio’s fate.
One of League Of Geeks’ recent releases, Solium Infernum, received positive reviews upon its launch earlier this year. However, the game did not perform well enough in terms of sales to support further development or downloadable content. This lack of financial success is a major factor behind the studio’s decision to go into hibernation. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent developers in today’s competitive market.
The struggles faced by League Of Geeks were already apparent towards the end of 2023, when they halted development of Jumplight Odyssey and laid off half of their staff. Rising operating costs, a weak Australian dollar, and poor sales were cited as reasons for these drastic measures. The studio pinned its hopes on the success of Solium Infernum, but unfortunately, it was not enough to save them from their impending fate. The failure to secure timely investment for Jumplight Odyssey further sealed their fate, leaving the game without a fully realized version 1.0 release as originally planned.
As League Of Geeks goes into hibernation, they reflect on the achievements and experiences they have had as a team. They express pride in the work they have done, the talented developers they have collaborated with, and the community that has supported them throughout their journey. The uncertainty of whether they will ever return casts a shadow over their farewell, but they remain grateful for the opportunities they have had in the world of independent game development.
The story of League Of Geeks serves as a cautionary tale for independent developers. Despite their dedication and passion for creating unique gaming experiences, the harsh realities of the industry can prove to be insurmountable. The rise and fall of this once-promising studio are a reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to venture into the world of game development without the safety net of a larger publisher.
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