The gaming world was met with unfortunate news as Freejam, the developer behind Robocraft 2, announced its closure. In a heartfelt statement posted on Discord, the studio attributed the decision to challenging “market conditions” and the prohibitive costs of maintaining servers for its games. As a result, Robocraft 2, its predecessor Robocraft, and Cardlife are all being sunsetted.
Robocraft 2 Pulled from Steam
Robocraft 2, which was available as an Early Access title on Steam, has already been removed from the platform. The decision marks the end of an ambitious project that struggled to navigate a tough gaming market.
The Developer’s Message
In their announcement, Freejam’s team expressed their sadness, saying:
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell you all that we’re ceasing production on Robocraft 2 and closing Freejam as a studio.”
The statement emphasized the significant costs required to keep the servers operational, making it impossible to continue development or sustain the game’s launch. Over the coming weeks, the studio will focus on sunsetting its three primary titles—Robocraft 1, Robocraft 2, and Cardlife.
A Tribute to the Community
The developers also took a moment to thank their dedicated community, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the studio’s journey:
“Your feedback and thoughts have always driven us forward… Your time, energy, support, and so, so much patience has made a world of difference. From all of us at Freejam, thank you so much for joining us on this journey.”
Impact on Freejam’s Team
The closure leaves uncertainty regarding the future of the studio’s staff. Freejam’s LinkedIn profile suggests a team of 11-50 employees based in Portsmouth, UK, though the exact number of affected individuals has not been disclosed.
Broader Context: Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
Freejam’s closure is not an isolated incident. The gaming industry has experienced significant layoffs early in 2025, with over 150 developers losing their jobs in just the first two weeks. Notable examples include:
- The “wind down” of Toadman Interactive by Swedish games firm EG7, resulting in 69 job losses.
- Layoffs at Piranha Games, which saw 38 employees let go.
- Staff reductions at Splash Damage and Jar of Sparks.
Key Points
- Freejam Closure: The studio has shut down, ending development of Robocraft 2, Robocraft, and Cardlife.
- Market Challenges: High server costs and market conditions were cited as primary reasons for the closure.
- Community Gratitude: Freejam expressed deep appreciation for its loyal player base.
- Broader Industry Impact: The closure is part of a larger trend of layoffs affecting the gaming industry in 2025.