Game Studio Possibility Space Shuts Down Amid Controversy and Employee Layoffs

Possibility Space, a game studio founded by Jeff Strain, the producer of State of Decay, has reportedly shut down due to leaks from employees. The closure of the studio has left many wondering about the future of the projects that were in development.

The studio was founded in October 2021 with the goal of creating a “joyful game” that had been Strain’s dream for many years. The team was made up of talented individuals, including Jane Ng, Liz England, and Austin Walker, who had all worked on high-profile projects in the past. However, despite the promising start, the studio’s closure has left many employees in a state of uncertainty.

According to reports, Strain blamed the closure of Possibility Space on leaks from employees regarding the studio’s “Project Vonnegut”. In an email sent to staff before their dismissal, Strain expressed shock at the alleged leaks and stated that the studio’s publishing partner had expressed low confidence in continuing the project as a result. This led to the mutual decision to cancel Vonnegut and ultimately resulted in the closure of Possibility Space.

The closure of Possibility Space adds to a growing list of studio closures and job cuts in the games industry over the past 18 months. With over 15,000 people believed to have lost their jobs during this time, the industry is facing a challenging period of instability and uncertainty.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Prytania Media, the parent company of Possibility Space, as well as its remaining studios, Dawon Entertainment and Fang & Claw. The closure of Possibility Space serves as a sobering reminder of the volatile nature of the games industry and the challenges that developers face in bringing their creative visions to life.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for studios and developers to prioritize transparency, communication, and collaboration in order to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. Only by working together and supporting one another can the games industry continue to thrive and innovate in the face of adversity.