Midsummer Studios Closes Its Doors Amid Promising Game Reveal
In a surprising turn of events, Jake Solomon, the founder of Midsummer Studios and former creative director at Firaxis, announced the sudden closure of the studio via a post on X. Alongside this announcement, he shared a two-minute gameplay video of “Burbank,” the highly anticipated life simulation game that aimed to rival established titles in the genre.
Solomon expressed pride in the work done at Midsummer, stating, “We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios, I’d like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into.” He described the game as a blend of “Life Sims + The Truman Show,” emphasizing its potential to empower players as storytellers, allowing them to craft their own narratives and characters.
We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I’d like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into. It’s like “Life Sims + The Truman Show,” but it’s more than that. I believe people are… pic.twitter.com/RuYvDhdEZO
Despite receiving an impressive 88% review score and being named a Game of the Year runner-up for “Midnight Suns,” the studio struggled with sales performance. In a 2024 interview, Solomon discussed his shift from turn-based strategy games to life simulations, detailing how Burbank would focus on player-driven narratives, offering a more structured experience compared to traditional sandbox life sims. He also hinted at an NPC generation system reminiscent of the cult favorite, Dwarf Fortress.
Publicly, Midsummer Studios appeared stable, with social media channels celebrating milestones such as its Nasdaq listing and accolades from industry publications. However, the silence on these platforms since the studio’s inception in 2024 raised questions about its internal health. Notably, Solomon’s last social media engagement prior to the closure announcement was a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of “XCOM 2.”
Financially, Midsummer had secured million in funding from various venture capital partners and the Korean publisher Krafton, as disclosed in a May 2024 press release. Yet, reports indicated that the studio was actively seeking additional funding rounds as recently as November 2025, with an SEC filing revealing a modest 0,000 investment—an amount that may not have sufficed to sustain its ambitious projects.
The gameplay footage of Burbank showcased a polished aesthetic, albeit with some elements still in development, such as placeholder text-to-speech voices. Solomon clarified that while the game would utilize generative AI for character voices, all visual art would be crafted by human artists, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the creative workforce. “Our characters use AI for memory, reasoning, and speech,” he noted, explaining how this technology would enable players to create diverse characters and narratives. However, the viability of fully voicing emergent stories with traditional voice acting remains a topic of debate.
As Midsummer Studios prepares to close its doors, the gaming community reflects on the potential of Burbank and the innovative vision that Solomon and his team brought to the table, now left unrealized.
