Seattle, Washington – Galvanic Games, the developer behind Wizard With a Gun, announced the closure of the studio. In a heartfelt statement on social media, Galvanic Games’ president and founder, Patrick Morgan, expressed sadness over the decision, highlighting the irony of disbanding the team after its most successful year.
Despite the initial success of Wizard With a Gun, Morgan revealed that the game’s sales were not sufficient to sustain the studio. The collaboration with Devolver Digital was a dream come true for the team, culminating in the creation of a game that they were immensely proud of. The closure marked the end of a journey that began in 2015, filled with unique game launches and collaborations with industry peers.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the team in the current market, Morgan expressed gratitude for the dedication and creativity of every member. Devolver Digital responded with a simple message of support, stating “Love you all” in the face of the studio’s closure.
The impact of Galvanic Games’ closure adds to a rising trend of studio shutdowns and layoffs in the gaming industry. By mid-2024, over 10,000 individuals had lost their jobs in the video game sector, underscoring the difficult period faced by developers and employees.
The closures extended beyond Galvanic Games, with Just Cause developer Avalanche closing two of its offices in June. Additionally, League of Geeks announced a reduction in workforce, signaling challenging times for game developers globally.
Industry analysts suggest that while the wave of layoffs may slow down, the repercussions are far from over. Some companies may need to rehire in the coming years, highlighting the uncertain landscape faced by the gaming industry. Amid the challenges, industry stakeholders continue to navigate the evolving dynamics of the market.
The closure of Galvanic Games serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required in the gaming industry, where success and setbacks are intertwined in the quest to create innovative and engaging experiences for players worldwide.