Romero Games, the esteemed studio co-founded by industry pioneers Brenda and John Romero in 2015, has announced a significant setback that has sent ripples through the gaming community. In a recent social media update, CEO Brenda Romero revealed that funding for their latest project has been abruptly terminated, leading to layoffs within the company.
Funding Cancellation and Layoffs
In her message, Brenda expressed the disappointment felt by the team: “Last night, we learned that our publisher has canceled funding for our game along with several other unannounced projects at other studios. This was a strategic decision made at a high level within the publisher, well above our visibility or control. We deeply wish there had been something, anything, we could have done to prevent this outcome.”
While the specific publisher responsible for this funding cut has not been officially disclosed, numerous former employees have taken to LinkedIn to suggest that Microsoft is the entity behind the decision. This comes on the heels of Microsoft announcing layoffs affecting 9,000 employees and the cancellation of projects at various studios, including ZeniMax Online Studios, Rare, and The Initiative, which was shut down entirely.
The Uncertain Future of Romero Games
The future of Romero Games now hangs in the balance, as the studio’s announcement leaves many questions unanswered. Notably, technical artist Leslie Stowe and environment artist Eric Wong have indicated in their LinkedIn posts that the studio may be closing its doors for good.
Romero Games was previously collaborating with a major publisher on a new first-person shooter (FPS), which John Romero had heralded as “a new dawn” for the studio when it was first announced in 2022. However, since that announcement, little information has emerged, with the studio’s website still stating that it is “way too early” for further revelations. The inability of a studio led by such iconic figures as John and Brenda Romero to secure funding for a new FPS raises concerns about the broader health of the gaming industry, particularly if Microsoft is indeed the publisher that has withdrawn support.
As the situation develops, I have reached out to Romero Games for additional information and will provide updates as they become available.
