Frostpunk developer 11 Bit Studios has cancelled the event of its first console-centric title, codenamed Project 8, leading to an unknown variety of layoffs.
Development of Project 8 started in 2018, with 37 folks engaged on it by the tip of September 2024. The studio estimates that it had spent PLN 48.4 million ($11.8 million) on improvement up so far.
However, a submit on the studio’s web site revealed a current evaluation of the challenge led to 11 Bit’s administration board to terminate the challenge. Studio president Przemysław Marszał stated that greater than half of the Project 8 workforce will probably be provided alternatives on different tasks throughout the firm.
Those who’re affected by the layoffs will obtain severance packages, help find new employment, and psychological counselling.
The studio is at the moment exploring how the property developed for Project 8 could also be used or tailored for different tasks.
“Our imaginative and prescient for Project 8, which was supposed to be our first title designed particularly for console players, was daring and thrilling,” stated Marszał. “However, it was conceived underneath very totally different market circumstances, when narrative-driven, story-rich video games held stronger attraction.”
He added that the sport’s improvement skilled varied setbacks, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a number of delays and the challenge’s funds grew with every milestone. The studio’s analysis of the latest milestone was the tipping level for Project 8.
“Unfortunately, on this case, our findings revealed unresolved points and challenges that will require additional extensions of the manufacturing timeline and corresponding funds will increase to handle,” Marszał defined.
“This, coupled with revised gross sales forecasts, largely reflecting the altering market setting, raised important doubts concerning the challenge’s total profitability.”
As a outcome, the 11 Bit administration board misplaced confidence within the prospect of Project 8 being completed on time and to an inexpensive high quality stage, resulting in the sport’s termination.
Project 8 was one among seven tasks 11 Bit dedicated to in 2020, investing greater than $21 million throughout them.
In October, the studio introduced it has delayed one other of its upcoming video games, The Alters.
