Humanoid Origin, the studio founded by former Mass Effect director Casey Hudson in 2021, is ending development on its untitled sci-fi game and closing its doors, after an “unexpected funding shortfall.” [it] unable to sustain operations.”
Hudson, who also served as general manager of BioWare before leaving the studio in 2020, announced the establishment of Humanoid Origin (initially Humanoid Studios) in June 2021, teasing that he was working on a “brand new IP.” A year later, Hudson shared a little more information about the “cross-platform AAA game” as well as early concept art, calling it a “character-driven narrative in an entirely new sci-fi universe.”
Today, however, Hudson issued a statement announcing the completion of the project and the closure of the studio. “Today we informed our staff that Humanoid Origin will be closing,” he wrote. “Despite efforts to protect the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected funding shortfall left us unable to maintain operations.”
“We are heartbroken that we will not be able to complete our new sci-fi universe,” Hudson continued. “However, our main concern at this time is our team and we are committed to supporting them in their transition to new employment.
“During our time together, the team made incredible progress and demonstrated that it is possible to do incredible work while fostering a culture of fun and creativity. We thank them for their talent, courage and friendship.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us during our journey.”
Humanoid Origin is the latest studio to be hit in what remains a devastating year for games industry employees, with more than 14,000 people estimated to have lost their jobs so far. That compares to the 10,500 games industry workers who were laid off throughout 2023. In March, GamesIndustry.biz’s Chris Tring, writing for Eurogamer, took a closer look at the circumstances that led to such a massive number of job cuts. employment in recent years. few years.
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