Gaming Studio Midnight Society Shutters Operations, Cancels Deadrop Project
Game development studio closes after three years, affecting 55 developers and ending anticipated shooter project.
Game development studio Midnight Society has announced its immediate closure, bringing an end to its operations after three years in the industry. The shutdown includes the cancellation of their in-development first-person extraction shooter, Deadrop, which had been the studio’s primary project since its founding.
The closure affects approximately 55 developers, prompting the studio to actively coordinate with other gaming companies to secure new opportunities for its staff. In their official announcement, Midnight Society expressed gratitude to both the development team and the community that supported their efforts throughout the project’s duration.
Deadrop, which had been in active development since the studio’s formation, faced various challenges during its creation phase, including early controversy surrounding its implementation of NFT technology. The game had previously generated significant interest within the gaming community, with initial projections suggesting a potential 2024 release date.
Community Response and Developer Support
Following the closure announcement, community members have called for refunds for early supporters of the project. Some supporters have proposed releasing the development build to the community, though the studio has not officially responded to these requests.
The timing of the closure coincided with separate industry developments, including changes to the YouTube monetization status of the studio’s co-founder, Dr Disrespect. The streamer confirmed his remonetization in a tweet shortly after Jake Lucky’s report on Twitter. The studio had previously continued operations after removing Dr Disrespect from its board following various controversies.
Industry observers are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding the placement of the affected development team members. The studio’s closure marks another significant shift in the competitive game development landscape, where project cancellations and studio restructuring have become increasingly common.