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In a significant setback for the gaming world, Romero Games has officially shut its doors, a casualty of the withdrawal of publisher funding for its highly anticipated first-person shooter (FPS). This closure unfolds against a backdrop of layoffs and budget cuts at major tech companies, with Microsoft identified as the publisher that retracted its support. What does this mean for the industry and the future of the game? Let’s dive deeper.
The Details of the Closure
According to reports from former employees, the decision to close Romero Games came as a shock. Founded by industry veterans John Romero and Brenda Romero, the studio had been making strides with its in-development FPS. Just a day before the funding was cut off, meetings were held with the publisher, and there were no signs of the looming closure. “There was no mention of it,” one former staff member revealed, capturing the disbelief that swept through the team.
Romero Games employed 42 people directly, but the ripple effects of the closure extend far beyond that number, impacting over 100 individuals when considering external staff working on the project. The studio had been optimistic, with reports indicating that the game was well-developed at the time the funding was pulled. So, what went wrong?
Background and Previous Projects
Romero Games previously launched its first standalone project, ‘Empire of Sin’, in 2020. While the game showcased some intriguing concepts, it ultimately didn’t live up to expectations, receiving a mixed response from critics. Interestingly, a recent expansion for the game, developed by Moonmana, was released just last month, showing that there was still engagement with the title despite its rocky start. On a brighter note, unofficial expansions for the Doom series, like ‘Sigil’ and ‘Sigil 2’, released in 2018 and 2023, respectively, received positive feedback and have even been integrated into Nightdive’s remaster of the original Doom.
In the months leading up to this abrupt closure, Romero Games appeared poised for a major announcement, with increased activity on social media and a Twitch series called “FPS Fridays,” where Romero showcased other FPS games. But just as momentum was building, the studio’s closure came as a jarring halt. Could this have been predicted?
Future Prospects for Romero Games
Despite this bleak chapter, there are whispers of a potential revival. One employee noted, “We’re trying to find other ways of funding the project,” hinting at efforts to explore alternative avenues for keeping the dream alive. For now, however, operations are completely halted. There’s a glimmer of hope within the gaming community, reminiscent of Tango Gameworks, which managed to bounce back after being shut down by Microsoft last year. Are we witnessing the end or just a pause for Romero Games?
This closure serves as another stark reminder of the challenges that game development studios face in today’s fast-paced industry. The fate of Romero Games highlights the financial fragility many studios encounter, especially in a climate where major players like Microsoft are making significant cuts. What does the future hold for these creative powerhouses? Only time will tell.