In a somber development for the gaming landscape, and a story we at Digital Tech Explorer are following closely, The Outsiders, the studio acclaimed for the rhythm shooter Metal: Hellsinger, is officially closing its doors after a decade. Studio founder and creative director David Goldfarb shared the unfortunate news, confirming that the studio has become a casualty of recent layoffs announced by its parent company, Funcom. This marks a poignant moment, reflecting the dynamic, often challenging, nature of digital innovation in game development.
Studio’s History and Future Prospects
In a heartfelt message, Goldfarb recounted the studio’s resilient journey, stating, “Many of us had survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled, and because of this team’s loyalty and refusal to quit, Metal: Hellsinger was born.” This sentiment highlights the often-perilous path of game development. Their initial ambitious first-person monster game, Darkborn, faced cancellation in 2020 after its 2016 announcement. Yet, demonstrating remarkable perseverance—a trait common among dedicated developers—the team pivoted, finding renewed purpose in crafting Metal: Hellsinger. This rhythm shooter went on to achieve “overwhelmingly positive” reviews on Steam following its 2022 launch, a testament to their dedication and skill.
Goldfarb aptly described Metal: Hellsinger as a “high point,” conveying profound gratitude for the talented team. He also shared that the studio had been diligently working on a new project, with aspirations “to do something even better this time.” Such ambition is a hallmark of true innovation. Despite the current setback, Goldfarb’s resolve remains unbroken, asserting, “We are not giving up and will do our damnedest to continue on in some new form.” This forward-looking statement offers a glimmer of hope and speaks to the enduring spirit of creation, a narrative that often defines the tech world we explore at Digital Tech Explorer.
This decision unfortunately impacts the entire Funcom Stockholm team, a collective of approximately 60 dedicated professionals. The layoffs at Funcom, announced just last week, present a striking juxtaposition against the backdrop of the company’s recent triumph: the much-anticipated launch of Dune: Awakening. Funcom proudly heralded this as “the biggest release we’ve had in our 32-year long history.” This stark contrast serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable economic currents within the tech and gaming industries, underscoring the importance for developers and tech enthusiasts to stay informed and adaptable—a core focus of our mission at Digital Tech Explorer.