What's Happening?
OtherSide Entertainment has announced that its stealth game, 'Thick as Thieves,' will no longer receive content updates. The game, which launched in May, was criticized for its limited content, offering only two maps and lacking features like rebindable
keys at launch. Despite a post-launch update addressing some issues, the game struggled to gain traction. The situation worsened as OtherSide faced two rounds of layoffs, leaving fewer than 10 employees. Game director Jeff Hickman confirmed that ongoing development is not viable, but efforts are being made to ensure the game remains playable through a new version using Peer to Peer servers. Publisher Megabit will take over maintenance responsibilities.
Why It's Important?
The decision to halt updates for 'Thick as Thieves' highlights the challenges faced by smaller game developers in maintaining and expanding their products. The layoffs and shift to Peer to Peer servers reflect broader industry trends where financial constraints and market pressures can significantly impact game development. This situation underscores the volatility in the gaming industry, where even post-launch updates may not suffice to sustain a game's success. The move also raises concerns about job security within the industry and the sustainability of smaller studios in a competitive market dominated by larger players.
What's Next?
With Megabit taking over the game's maintenance, the focus will likely shift to ensuring a stable gaming experience for existing players. The transition to Peer to Peer servers may offer a temporary solution, but the long-term viability of the game remains uncertain. OtherSide Entertainment may need to reassess its strategic direction and explore new projects or partnerships to stabilize its operations. The industry will be watching to see how the studio navigates these challenges and whether it can recover from the setbacks.
