The Announcement of Closure
On November 25, Casey Hudson, the visionary behind Humanoid Origin and a former creator of the Mass Effect series, made a heartfelt announcement via LinkedIn regarding the studio’s impending closure. Just three years after its inception, Humanoid Origin will cease operations due to a significant lack of funding. This decision resonates throughout the gaming community, highlighting the challenges that even budding studios face in this competitive industry.
The Challenges in the Industry
Hudson expressed that, while specific difficulties plagued Humanoid Origin, the broader challenges within the gaming industry played a critical role in this outcome. He emphasizes that the studio’s main goal is to support its valued employees through this transition, aiming to provide them with pathways to new and exciting opportunities. This sentiment reflects the ethos of many leaders in gaming, prioritizing team welfare even in tough times.
Impact on the Gaming Landscape
The closure of Humanoid Origin is a stark reminder of the volatility within the gaming sector. It wasn’t long ago that the studio was aggressively hiring talented individuals to bring to life a large-scale AAA sci-fi game, which was set to be an ambitious project. Unfortunately, it joins the list of studios impacted by serious financial pressures, a trend observed this year as larger corporations, too, have faced challenges that resulted in similar closures, including the restructuring of Humble Games Publishing Division.