Roll7, acclaimed for its innovative side-scrolling skateboarding games, has been shut down following Take-Two Interactive’s divestment of Private Division. This move has prompted the removal of their latest titles from major digital storefronts. The gaming community is reacting to the sudden unavailability of fan-favorite games, raising concerns about the stability of indie studios under large publishers. The future of ongoing projects and support for existing titles hangs in the balance as the industry watches closely.
Previously, Roll7 enjoyed a stable partnership with Private Division, enabling successful releases and positive community engagement. However, the recent sale has disrupted this relationship, leading to unexpected closures and game delistings. This shift contrasts with the earlier optimism surrounding the label’s support for indie developers.
Impact on Roll7’s Game Library
The shutdown has resulted in significant changes to Roll7’s availability on digital platforms. Notably, titles such as OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome have been removed from Steam, restricting access for new players. However, earlier releases like OlliOlli and OlliOlli 2: Welcome to OlliWood remain accessible through Devolver Digital’s publishing. Additionally, Kerbal Space Program 2 by Intercept Games and the upcoming Tales of the Shire have not been delisted, suggesting selective support post-sale.
Reactions from the Gaming Community
Fans of Roll7 have expressed disappointment over the removal of their favorite titles. Positive reviews from critics highlighted the quality of Roll7’s games;
“a wonderfully surreal Adventure Time-esque skatopia”
praised OlliOlli World by Natalie Clayton, while Sam Greer commented in a review that Rollerdrome “
might be my favourite action game since Devil Daggers.”
These sentiments underscore the studio’s impact on players, further intensifying the disappointment surrounding its closure.
Future of Private Division’s Projects
Despite the closure, some projects under Private Division appear to remain unaffected. Take-Two Interactive has assured continued support for No Rest for the Wicked, the soulslike action RPG developed by Moon Studios. The fate of other titles like Tales of the Shire remains uncertain, although their current availability on platforms like Steam provides a temporary reprieve. The future trajectory of Private Division’s portfolio will likely depend on the new ownership’s strategic priorities.
The closure of Roll7 illustrates the fragile nature of game development partnerships, especially when subject to corporate acquisitions. While certain titles continue to thrive, the removal of others creates a fragmented landscape for both developers and consumers. For gamers, the delisting limits access to new audiences, potentially diminishing the studio’s legacy. For indie developers, this case highlights the risks associated with depending on larger publishers during transitions. Moving forward, establishing more resilient distribution and publishing agreements could help safeguard creative works against such upheavals.
