Developer The Outsiders, renowned for their notable 2022 music shooter Metal: Hellsinger, has been shut down by its parent company, Funcom.
Announcement of Closure
This unfortunate development was announced on Monday by David Goldfarb, the founder of The Outsiders. The closure stems from widespread layoffs taking place throughout Funcom, the company that acquired the studio just three years prior.
The Journey of The Outsiders
Goldfarb expressed his struggles to fully grasp the implications of the situation. He mentioned that the team at The Outsiders, along with Funcom Stockholm, has been impacted by the layoffs, leading to the end of their decade-long studio.
Reflecting on their journey, Goldfarb recalled a challenging period when their project Darkborn was cancelled, nearly leading to the studio’s demise. He emphasized how the loyalty and resilience of the team gave rise to Metal: Hellsinger.
Hope for the Future
Goldfarb shared a sentiment that resonates with many creatives: the desire to build something even more remarkable after Hellsinger. However, he acknowledged the unpredictability of the industry, admitting that “things don’t always go the way you hope.” He expressed the hope of reviving the team in some capacity, calling out for potential investors or supporters to reach out.
A Call for Support
“We are not giving up, and we are going to try to continue on in some new form,” he stated. He expressed openness to any assistance offered, whether through business connections, job placements, or guidance. “Change is always tough, and right now we are all hurting. Thanks so much,” Goldfarb concluded.
Reception of Metal: Hellsinger
The game received praise for being an “incredibly well-realised concept, packed to bursting with excellent music, unique weapons and a gameplay loop that’s instantly addictive.”
It was further noted that it was engaging enough to be “kept installed for a long time, even beyond the point of completion, as the chase of higher and higher scores against your mates is so engaging.”
