The video game developer Spiders, best known for creating the title Greedfall: The Dying World, is reportedly set to close its doors. The news emerged through industry reports on Monday, indicating that the studio is facing an imminent shutdown. This development carries significant implications for the European gaming sector and the future of narrative-driven role-playing games.
According to a report published by GamesIndustry.biz, the closure is not yet officially confirmed by the studio’s parent company, Nacon. However, sources close to the matter indicate that the decision has been made internally. Spiders, which is based in Paris, France, has been a prominent independent studio in the European gaming landscape for over a decade.
Background of the studio
Spiders was founded in 2008 and quickly established a reputation for producing ambitious role-playing games with a strong focus on narrative and player choice. The studio’s portfolio includes titles such as Mars: War Logs, Bound by Flame, and The Technomancer. However, its most commercially significant release was Greedfall in 2019, which received moderate critical acclaim and developed a dedicated fan base.
The success of Greedfall led to the development of a sequel, Greedfall 2: The Dying World, which entered early access in September 2024. The early access release received a mixed reception from players and critics, with many citing technical issues and unfinished gameplay mechanics. This performance may have contributed to the parent company’s decision to restructure or close the studio.
Parent company position
Nacon, the French publishing and accessories company, acquired Spiders in 2019 as part of a broader strategy to expand its internal development capabilities. At the time of acquisition, Nacon stated that Spiders would retain its creative independence while benefiting from the publisher’s financial and distribution resources.
The reported closure comes amid a wider period of contraction in the video game industry. Numerous studios worldwide have announced layoffs, closures, or project cancellations in the past 18 months. Factors cited include rising development costs, shifting consumer spending habits, and a post-pandemic correction in the market.
Impact on current projects
The status of Greedfall 2: The Dying World remains uncertain following this report. The game is currently available in early access on PC, with a full release originally planned for later this year. If the closure proceeds, it is unclear whether Nacon will transfer development to another internal studio or cancel the project entirely. Players who have purchased early access may face an incomplete experience if development ceases.
Spiders employed approximately 90 people at the time of the report. Those employees now face an uncertain future in a competitive job market. The French video game industry, which includes major players like Ubisoft and Dontnod Entertainment, has seen several restructuring announcements in recent months.
Looking ahead, official confirmation from Nacon is expected in the coming days. Industry observers will be watching closely to see whether the company issues a formal statement regarding the future of Spiders and its intellectual property. The closure, if confirmed, would mark the end of one of France’s most determined independent RPG developers.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
