After the dissolution of Kingdoms of Amalur developer 38 Studios following difficulties repaying a state-backed loan, 379 people were laid off last week, including staffers at subsidiary Big Huge Games. While some of the developers were picked up by various other studios, a respected team that had delivered a successful product was being disbanded. And it might still have been, had Gears of War studio Epic not stepped in.
The Fallout of 38 Studios’ Closure
The closure of 38 Studios was a significant event in the gaming industry, not just because of the financial implications but also due to the human cost. The studio had been working on an ambitious project, and the sudden shutdown left many talented developers in a precarious position. The layoffs affected 379 people, including those at Big Huge Games, a subsidiary known for its creative prowess. The abrupt end to their employment left many scrambling to find new opportunities in an already competitive industry.
While some developers were fortunate enough to be quickly absorbed by other studios, the disbanding of such a talented and cohesive team was a considerable loss. Big Huge Games had a reputation for delivering quality products, and the dissolution of this team was a blow to the creative community.
Epic Games Steps In
“On Wednesday, the ex-BHG leadership team contacted us. They wanted to start a new company and keep together some of the key talent displaced by the layoff, and hoped that they could use an Epic IP as a starting point for a new game,” according to Epic Games President Michael Capps. “We loved that they all wanted to keep working together, but it was pretty clear they’d have trouble building a demo and securing funding before their personal savings ran out.”
Epic Games, known for its successful franchises like Gears of War, saw an opportunity to support the displaced developers. The leadership team from Big Huge Games reached out to Epic with a proposal to start a new company. Their goal was to keep the core team intact and leverage an Epic intellectual property (IP) to create a new game. This move was not just about preserving jobs but also about maintaining the creative synergy that had made Big Huge Games successful.
Michael Capps, President of Epic Games, recognized the potential in this proposal. He understood the challenges the team would face in securing funding and developing a demo before their personal savings were depleted. Epic’s intervention was crucial in providing the necessary support to keep the team together and give them a fighting chance to succeed.
The Importance of Industry Support
The gaming industry is known for its volatility, with studios frequently facing financial difficulties and closures. In such an environment, the support of established companies like Epic Games can make a significant difference. By stepping in to help the former Big Huge Games team, Epic not only preserved jobs but also ensured that the talent and creativity of these developers were not lost to the industry.
This kind of support is vital for fostering innovation and maintaining the health of the gaming ecosystem. When talented teams are disbanded, it can lead to a loss of valuable experience and creativity. By providing a safety net, larger companies can help mitigate these losses and contribute to the overall growth and stability of the industry.
A New Beginning
The intervention by Epic Games allowed the former Big Huge Games team to start anew. With the backing of a well-established company, they had the resources and support needed to develop their ideas and bring new projects to life. This new beginning was not just a second chance for the developers but also an opportunity to continue contributing to the gaming world.
The dissolution of 38 Studios and the subsequent layoffs were a significant event in the gaming industry. However, the swift action by Epic Games to support the displaced developers highlights the importance of industry solidarity. By stepping in to help, Epic ensured that the talent and creativity of the former Big Huge Games team were not lost, allowing them to continue their work and contribute to the future of gaming.
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