Norwegian game developer Funcom has made the difficult decision to close its subsidiary, The Outsiders. This announcement came via a heartfelt message shared on social media, where the studio’s founder, David Goldfarb, expressed the impact of recent layoffs that have affected the broader company.
Reflections on a Journey
In his statement, Goldfarb reflected on the studio’s ten-year journey, noting the resilience of his team in the face of adversity. “Many of us had survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled,” he shared. “It was through this team’s loyalty and refusal to quit that Metal Hellsinger was born. It will always be a high point for me personally, and I will be forever grateful we got to make it and for the wonderful team and partnerships that made it happen.”
Despite the closure, Goldfarb remains optimistic about the future. “We had hoped to do something even better this time. Things don’t always go the way you hope,” he acknowledged. However, he emphasized that the spirit of innovation and collaboration would not be extinguished. “We are not giving up, and we are going to try to continue on in some new form,” he stated.
Goldfarb extended an invitation to the community, seeking support in various forms. “If you think you can help in any way, with business leads, placement for employees, guidance, whatever it is, I would be genuinely grateful if you reach out here,” he wrote. His message resonates with the understanding that change, while challenging, can also pave the way for new opportunities.
As the team at The Outsiders navigates this transition, the gaming community watches closely, hopeful for what lies ahead for these dedicated creators.
