Developer Ivy Road, known for its charming tea shop adventure, Wanderstop, has announced its impending closure, set for March 31. The studio described the news as “bittersweet,” expressing deep gratitude for the collaborative effort that brought their inaugural title to life. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful we are to have been able to work together on Wanderstop—this is an incredible group of people!” they shared.
Creative Collaboration and Challenges
Wanderstop, which garnered an impressive 84% review score, was a product of a unique partnership among several notable creators. The narrative was crafted by Davey Wrenden, famed for his work on The Stanley Parable, alongside Karla Zimonja of Tacoma. The game’s enchanting soundtrack was composed by C418, known for his contributions to Minecraft.
The closure follows a series of layoffs in late January, a consequence of the studio’s inability to secure funding for a new project titled Engine Angel. “While we tried to shop the concept around and find a publishing partner, unfortunately we weren’t able to land a deal,” Ivy Road explained. “It’s a particularly tough time for raising game funds, so while we weren’t necessarily surprised, we are disappointed that we won’t be able to bring Engine Angel to life together as a team.”
Future Prospects for Wanderstop
Despite the studio’s closure, Wanderstop will continue to be available on its current platforms. Ivy Road hinted at a potential surprise for fans: “There’s still one last surprise brewing, one we’ve been working on for the last year to help find a way for Wanderstop to reach new players,” they noted. “The great folks at Annapurna Interactive will be sharing more news about this in the future, and we’re looking forward to you all seeing what it is!”
In their farewell message, Ivy Road expressed pride in their collective achievement, stating, “We are so proud that we got to create something together as a team that was ultimately experienced by hundreds of thousands of players. We hope that you’re inspired to create something of your own someday, whether art, music, writing, or even a video game of your own.”
