Sony has introduced that it’s shutting down Firewalk Studio, the developer of the ill-fated Harmony, barely over a yr and a half after buying the staff for an undisclosed quantity.
Firewalk wasn’t the one studio to be shuttered although, as Sony additionally confirmed that the closure of Neon Koi. Beforehand often known as Savage Studio, Neon Koi was purchased in 2022 and has not launched a single recreation in that point.
“We constantly consider our video games portfolio and standing of our tasks to make sure we’re assembly close to and long-term enterprise priorities.” learn the official assertion from Hermen Hulst. “As a part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen SIE’s Studio Enterprise, we’ve needed to make a troublesome choice relating to 2 of our studios – Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios.”
Addressing Neon Koi particularly, Sony’s assertion had this to say: “Whereas cell stays a precedence development space for the Studio Enterprise, we’re within the very early stage of our cell efforts. To attain success on this space we have to focus on titles which are in-line with PlayStation Studios’ pedigree and have the potential to succeed in extra gamers globally. “
As for Firewalk Studio, it’s closure maybe isn’t a shock given the monumental failure of Harmony. The hero-shooter was reported to have been in improvement for 8 years and apparently value some $400 million to make throughout Sony and Firewalk’s earlier personal ProbablyMonsters. Kotaku is now reporting that the determine is nearer to $200 million, though that quantity is probably going far increased because it doesn’t embrace a couple of components.
At launch Harmony struggled to attract any gamers, failing to succeed in even 1000 gamers on Steam. These numbers dropped quickly. After which IGN reported that the sport had bought a depressing 25,000 copies in its first week on sale.
Lower than two weeks after launching, Harmony was shut down and Sony issued refunds to everybody who purchased it. Nevertheless, on the time Sony and Firewalk mentioned they’d think about methods of bringing Harmony again, with many assuming this meant that it is likely to be changed into a free-to-play title.
That isn’t to be although, as Sony has confirmed Harmony is being “sunsetted” and won’t be returning.
“Relating to Firewalk, as introduced in early September (An Essential Replace on Harmony), sure facets of Harmony have been distinctive, however others didn’t land with sufficient gamers, and consequently we took the sport offline. We’ve spent appreciable time these previous few months exploring all our choices.”
“After a lot thought, we’ve decided the very best path ahead is to completely sundown the sport and shut the studio. I wish to thank all of Firewalk for his or her craftsmanship, artistic spirit and dedication.”
No matter Harmony’s failure and the way you are feeling concerning the recreation, it all the time sucks to see individuals dropping their jobs and it’s a disgrace that we’ll by no means get to see if Firewalk Studio had the rest within the tank. Simply attending to do a single undertaking earlier than being shuttered is harsh, however on this case comprehensible: if the studies are correct, Harmony was in improvement for much too lengthy and value approach an excessive amount of, chasing traits that had peaked lengthy earlier than.
As for Neon Koi, it’s a disgrace they by no means bought to launch even one undertaking.
