Closure of The Outsiders Studio Amid Funcom Layoffs
In a significant downturn for the gaming industry, The Outsiders, known for the rhythm-based first-person shooter Metal: Hellsinger, has been shut down as part of recent layoffs announced by Funcom. Alongside this closure, employees at Funcom’s Stockholm studio were also affected, though the full extent of the impact on that branch remains uncertain.
Director David Goldfarb’s Statement on the Closure
David Goldfarb, the studio’s co-founder and creative director, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the somber news. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “I have not had much time to process the news but all of us at The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm have been affected by the layoffs at Funcom, and our 10-year-old studio will be closing.”
A Reflection on the Journey
Goldfarb reflected on the turbulent journey of The Outsiders, reminiscing about their resilience following the cancellation of Darkborn. He credited the dedication of his team as instrumental in bringing Metal: Hellsinger to life, which he described as one of his proudest achievements. He expressed gratitude towards his team and collaborators, highlighting the ups and downs of their creative journey.
“We had hoped to do something even better this time—things don’t always go the way you hope, ” he continued.“But we are not giving up and we are going to try to continue on in some new form. If you can assist us with business leads, job placements, or any guidance, it would be immensely appreciated.”
Further Confirmation on LinkedIn
Goldfarb reiterated his sentiments on his LinkedIn account, lamenting the difficulty of sharing such news and the feelings of uncertainty that came with it.
Background on The Outsiders and Funcom
Originally an independent studio for six years, The Outsiders was acquired by Funcom in 2021 while collaboratively developing Metal: Hellsinger. At the time of the acquisition, the studio employed around 30 developers, a group that played a crucial role in the game’s success.
Last week, Funcom confirmed layoffs but did not provide an exact number of affected developers. This restructuring was part of a strategic shift following the launch of their new survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, which Funcom hailed as “the biggest release” in its 32-year history. They clarified that the workforce reduction was necessary as the focus moved from launch development to ongoing content maintenance.
As the gaming community absorbs this news, many industry professionals and fans alike will undoubtedly be paying close attention to the future paths of both The Outsiders’ former employees and the projects left in the wake of this closure.
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