What's Happening?
Bad Brain Game Studios, a company founded by former Ubisoft developers, is set to close on November 17th due to a lack of funding. The studio, known for its work on Watch Dogs: Legion, was unable to secure necessary financial support after Netease decided
to withdraw its backing. Despite efforts to find new partners for their upcoming game, Midnight Riders, the studio has not been able to find a path forward. A statement from Bad Brain Studios expressed gratitude to Netease for their initial support and highlighted the team's dedication and creativity throughout the project. The closure of Bad Brain Studios is part of a broader trend of Netease pulling out of Western game development, which has led to other studio closures such as Fantastic Pixel Castle and T-Minus Zero.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Bad Brain Studios underscores the challenges faced by game developers in securing funding and maintaining operations, particularly in the volatile video game industry. The withdrawal of Netease from Western game development has had significant repercussions, leading to job losses and the discontinuation of projects. This situation highlights the dependency of smaller studios on larger corporations for financial support and the risks involved when such support is withdrawn. The impact is felt not only by the employees who face job insecurity but also by the gaming community that loses potential new games and innovations.
What's Next?
As Bad Brain Studios prepares to shut down, the future of its intellectual property, including Midnight Riders, remains uncertain. The studio has indicated that the IP is available for acquisition or partnership, which could lead to potential interest from other developers or investors. The broader industry may see further consolidation as smaller studios struggle to survive without backing from major players like Netease. Stakeholders in the gaming industry, including developers and investors, will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing opportunities for collaboration or acquisition.
Beyond the Headlines
The closure of Bad Brain Studios raises questions about the sustainability of the current funding models in the gaming industry. It also highlights the cultural and creative loss when innovative projects are halted due to financial constraints. The situation may prompt discussions on alternative funding mechanisms, such as crowdfunding or government support, to ensure the survival of creative ventures. Additionally, the trend of major corporations withdrawing from certain markets could lead to shifts in global game development strategies.
