Surgent Studios, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Tales of Kenzera: Zau, has made the difficult decision to place its entire games division on hiatus due to lack of funding. This move puts an unknown number of staff at risk of redundancy.
Key Points:
– Surgent Studios announces Project Uso, the next game in the Tales of Kenzera universe.
– Project Uso is a darker, more visceral game centered around a vampiric android.
– Game combines choice-driven RPG and beat-em-up elements.
– Set decades after Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, in an advanced world.
– Surgent Studios seeks partner to bring Project Uso to life amid financial struggles.
The Struggle for Funding
Despite decent reviews and backing from Electronic Arts’ EA Originals label, Tales of Kenzera: Zau struggled commercially. In June, just three months after the game’s launch, Surgent Studios laid off over a dozen people, citing financial constraints.
Current Projects and Future Plans
The games team had been working on a new prototype described as “darker, edgier, and more visceral” than Tales of Kenzera: Zau. Surgent Studios is actively seeking a partner for this project. Additionally, the studio promises “a couple of exciting updates” for Zau in the future, giving fans hope that the game will continue to receive support.
Statement from Surgent Studios
In a social media statement, Surgent Studios announced the hiatus, stating that it has “unfortunately had to put our team on notice for redundancy.” The studio’s TV and film production divisions remain unaffected.
Background
Surgent Studios, originally Silver Rain Studios, was founded in 2020 by Abubakar Salim, known for his roles in Assassin’s Creed Origins and House of the Dragon. The studio’s debut title, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, was its first major project.
Impact on Staff
The hiatus puts an unknown number of staff at risk of redundancy, adding to concerns about job security in the gaming industry. This move highlights the challenges faced by independent game developers in securing funding.
Industry Implications
The gaming industry has seen several high-profile studio closures and layoffs in recent years. Surgent Studios’ struggles underscore the need for sustainable funding models and support for independent developers.
What’s Next?
As Surgent Studios seeks a partner for its new prototype, fans and industry observers await updates on the studio’s future plans. Will the studio find the necessary funding to revive its games division, or will this hiatus mark a permanent shift? Only time will tell.has context menu