League Of Geeks Takes an Extended Break Amidst Economic Uncertainty

by Frank McDougall
in News, Release
on 16 June 2024

League Of Geeks, the Australian developers renowned for their fantasy strategy games, Armello and Solium Infernum, have announced that they will be “going into hibernation.” Citing the current economic situation in the gaming industry, the studio has made the decision to take an extended break, leaving uncertainty regarding their future.

“After 13 years as an independent studio and considering the state of the industry, we have decided to put LoG on hold and take some well-deserved time off,” states the announcement. While most of their team has already moved on to new endeavors, the remaining members will be taking a much-needed break in the coming months.

The studio is unsure of when or if they will revive, but they express immense pride in their accomplishments, including the games they have created, the talented developers who have contributed, the inspiration they have provided to their peers, and the unwavering support from their community.

Though their recent remake of Solium Infernum received positive reviews, including from their own team, the sales fell short of expectations, making it difficult to fund further development or downloadable content. This, combined with the escalating operating costs, the weak Australian dollar, and previous layoffs, marked a turning point for League Of Geeks.

Despite their efforts with early access game Jumplight Odyssey, the studio was unable to secure the necessary investment to continue development. They have now decided to release the game out of Early Access within the next year, albeit without the fully realized version they initially planned.

“While the challenges of game development have been incredibly tough in recent years, the talented and delightful individuals we worked with, both within LoG and externally, have made this journey worthwhile every single day.”

In conclusion, League Of Geeks is taking a break amid uncertain economic circumstances, leaving their future as a studio in question.

Facts not mentioned in the article:
1. League Of Geeks was founded in 2011 and is based in Melbourne, Australia.
2. Armello, one of League Of Geeks’ most successful games, was released in 2015 and is a digital board game featuring anthropomorphic animals.
3. Solium Infernum, another notable game developed by League Of Geeks, is a turn-based strategy game set in Hell.
4. League Of Geeks has a dedicated fan community that has supported the studio throughout their journey.
5. The studio has received several awards and nominations for their games, including Armello being nominated for the Independent Games Festival’s Excellence in Design award in 2015.

Key questions and answers:
1. Why did League Of Geeks decide to take an extended break?
League Of Geeks made the decision to take a break due to the current economic situation in the gaming industry, which has made it challenging to secure funding for further development.

2. Is there a possibility that League Of Geeks will revive in the future?
The studio is uncertain about their future and whether or not they will revive. They have put the studio on hold and are taking time off to reevaluate their options.

Key challenges and controversies:
1. Economic uncertainty: The current state of the gaming industry, including difficulties in securing funding and operating costs, has presented significant challenges for League Of Geeks, leading them to take a break.

Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. Refreshment and rejuvenation: Taking an extended break allows the remaining members of League Of Geeks to rest and recharge, potentially leading to new inspiration and ideas in the future.
2. Reflection and evaluation: The break gives the studio an opportunity to evaluate their past accomplishments and future goals, helping them make informed decisions about the future of the studio.

Disadvantages:
1. Uncertain future: The break introduces uncertainty about the future of League Of Geeks as a studio, leaving both the team and the fans unsure about what will happen.
2. Potential loss of momentum: Pausing development and operations for an extended period may result in the loss of momentum and potential challenges in reestablishing the studio’s presence in the industry.