Something Wicked Games, the studio behind the anticipated RPG Wyrdsong, is grappling with significant financial challenges that threaten the project’s future. Despite initial excitement from fans of titles like Skyrim and Fallout, the game’s development has encountered obstacles that have forced the team to rethink their strategy and scale down their ambitions. The situation highlights broader issues within the gaming industry, where even experienced developers can struggle to secure necessary funding.
Reports from the past indicated that Wyrdsong was set to deliver a rich, open-world experience set in a fantastical version of medieval Portugal. However, the studio’s ability to secure ongoing investment has faltered, leading to layoffs and a reduction in team size. This shift has prompted the developers to explore alternative approaches to bring the game to fruition despite the financial constraints.
Why Did Something Wicked Lay Off Staff?
In an effort to extend the development timeline, Something Wicked Games made the difficult decision to reduce their workforce. The layoffs were a strategic move to conserve resources while seeking additional funding.
“Which was very difficult,” co-founder Jeff Gardiner says. “I believe most of the staff has found other employment, but I know not 100% of them. So it’s been a terrible time in this industry.”
The necessity to downsize reflects the competitive nature of the RPG market, where substantial budgets are often required to achieve the desired scope and quality.
How Has Wyrdsong’s Development Changed?
With fewer resources, the development team has had to adjust their original vision for Wyrdsong. The project has shifted from a vast open-world RPG to a more focused, zone-based experience. This pivot aims to maintain the game’s core themes while making the development process more manageable. Additionally, the incorporation of rogue-lite elements offers a fresh gameplay mechanic that aligns with the game’s exploration of life and death.
What Lies Ahead for the Project?
Despite the setbacks, Something Wicked Games remains committed to bringing Wyrdsong to market. The remaining team members are actively seeking further investment and publishing partnerships to support continued development.
“We’re down to a skeleton crew, and I am continuing to work hard to try to find further investment or publishing offers for the game,”
Gardiner expresses hope for a turnaround within the year, though acknowledges the ongoing financial difficulties.
The challenges faced by Something Wicked Games are not isolated, as many studios navigate the post-pandemic landscape where initial growth has plateaued and competition for funding is fierce. Comparatively, previous developments suggested a more optimistic outlook for Wyrdsong, but the current reality underscores the volatility of the game development industry.
Navigating these financial hurdles requires adaptability and resilience from the development team. By scaling down the project and exploring new gameplay mechanics, Something Wicked Games demonstrates a willingness to innovate under pressure. The outcome of Wyrdsong’s development will likely serve as a case study for other studios facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of flexible planning and resource management in the ever-evolving gaming market.
Gardiner’s extensive experience with successful franchises like Fallout provides a solid foundation for overcoming current obstacles. However, the success of Wyrdsong will depend on the studio’s ability to secure the necessary support to realize their creative vision. The industry’s future may hinge on how well developers can balance ambition with financial sustainability, ensuring that promising projects like Wyrdsong can come to life without compromising their integrity.
