Contrary to swirling rumors that suggested a grim fate, Romero Games, the studio founded by esteemed industry veterans John and Brenda Romero, has confirmed it remains operational. This clarification follows a challenging period where the studio`s latest project saw its funding abruptly withdrawn by its publisher, leading to the game`s cancellation.
The studio, based in Galway, Ireland, issued a statement addressing the situation. While they are contractually unable to publicly name the publisher responsible for pulling the funding, their message indicated that the publisher`s identity “some may infer from public information.” This timing aligns conspicuously with a recent wave of significant layoffs and project cancellations impacting several studios under the Xbox banner, including the closure of The Initiative and the halting of anticipated titles like Perfect Dark.
This sudden financial shift has undoubtedly put Romero Games in a difficult position, forcing them to “reassess the staffing” of the studio. However, the crucial point delivered in their statement is that the studio is unequivocally “not closed.” The team was reportedly at the studio as recently as July 7th, actively discussing the potential next steps for the company.
Adding a note of cautious optimism, Romero Games also revealed that external interested parties have already reached out. These discussions involve the potential to “bring the game across the finish line,” suggesting a possible future for the cancelled project under new circumstances. It appears that even in the face of a setback driven by wider industry turbulence, opportunities may yet arise.
Romero Games, established in 2015, has a development history that includes the well-regarded unofficial Doom continuations, Sigil and Sigil II, a nod to John Romero`s legendary status as a co-creator of the seminal FPS genre. Their most recent major release was the strategy game Empire of Sin, published by Paradox Interactive. The project affected by the funding cut was understood to be a new first-person shooter, bringing John Romero back to the genre he helped define.
So, while facing a necessity to adapt and likely undergo staff changes due to the sudden project termination, Romero Games is communicating a message of resilience. The studio is actively navigating a difficult phase, seeking new paths forward rather than succumbing to the industry`s recent unpredictable currents. The door remains open in Galway.
Callum Darby