Versus Evil, the renowned publisher known for titles such as The Banner Saga and Pillars Of Eternity 2, has regrettably closed down its operations, resulting in the entire staff being laid off. This news was confirmed by former director of product strategy, Francis Fincke, on LinkedIn, who shared the unfortunate development that took place on December 22, coinciding with the start of their Christmas break. The official account of Versus Evil on X also acknowledged the closure and expressed its heartfelt gratitude towards the community for their support over the past decade.
Having been founded in 2013, Versus Evil originally started as an indie game publisher, dedicated to promoting and releasing independent titles. Throughout its existence, they have contributed to the success of several noteworthy games such as Tower Of Guns, Amikrog, and Faeria, among many others. Regrettably, this promising journey has abruptly come to an end with the closure of the company.
Prior to the closure, the company’s founder, Steve Escalante, announced his departure in the near future. This announcement followed Escalante’s involvement in a legal dispute with tinyBuild, the company that acquired Versus Evil in November 2021. The lawsuit claimed that tinyBuild had breached certain obligations outlined in their agreement when acquiring Versus Evil. However, tinyBuild recently announced that they had reached a settlement in the litigation, agreeing to pay $3.5 million in cash, in addition to legal costs, to the claimants.
Sadly, the closure of Versus Evil and the subsequent layoffs add to the growing number of job losses in the gaming industry. According to videogamelayoffs.com, an online platform that tracks industry layoffs, it is estimated that over 10,000 employees have been laid off in the gaming sector during 2023. These unfortunate events showcase the challenges that game developers and publishers continue to face, despite the overall growth and success of the industry.
The closure of Versus Evil and the earlier closure of Hakjak Studio, developers of the highly anticipated Pigeon Simulator, both at the hands of tinyBuild, highlight the ever-changing and competitive nature of the gaming industry. As developers and publishers strive to navigate this dynamic landscape, unexpected closures and job losses serve as a reminder of the constant challenges they must overcome.
The closure of Versus Evil marks the end of a significant chapter in the gaming industry. The laid-off staff, who have dedicated their time and passion to the company’s success, now face an uncertain future. The impact of these closures on the gaming community and the industry as a whole is a stark reminder of the fragility and unpredictability that exist even within successful ventures. As we reflect on this unfortunate news, it is essential to recognize the immense contributions of game developers and publishers and to support the community during times of hardship.
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