Midsummer Studios, an independent game development company co-founded by former Firaxis Games creative director Jake Solomon, is shutting down. The closure was announced directly by Solomon, marking an end to the studio’s brief tenure focused on creating life simulation games. The news signifies another shift in the volatile independent development sector, impacting the small team assembled by the veteran designer known for his work on the acclaimed XCOM series.
Background of the Studio and Its Founder
Midsummer Studios was established in 2023 by Jake Solomon and former Firaxis producer Will Miller. Solomon served as the studio’s Chief Creative Officer. His reputation in the industry was built over two decades at Firaxis Games, where he was the creative director and lead designer for the critically and commercially successful reboot of the XCOM franchise, including XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2.
The studio’s mission was to develop a new genre of life simulation games, described as “life sims” that focused on player-driven stories and emotional connections. The company had secured venture capital funding and operated with a remote-first team structure. Prior to the closure announcement, Midsummer had been actively hiring and developing its first, unannounced project.
Official Announcement and Stated Reasons
Jake Solomon communicated the decision to close the studio through a public statement. In his announcement, he cited the significant challenges of securing additional necessary funding in the current investment climate as the primary reason for the shutdown. He expressed deep regret and took personal responsibility for the outcome, stating the financial hurdles made continuing operations impossible.
Solomon emphasized that the closure was not a reflection of the team’s talent or effort. He praised the developers at Midsummer Studios for their hard work and dedication to the project. The announcement did not provide specific details about the fate of the game’s intellectual property or assets.
Industry Context and Reactions
The closure of Midsummer Studios occurs during a period of widespread consolidation and layoffs across the video game industry. Numerous studios, both large and small, have faced financial pressures, project cancellations, and workforce reductions over the past two years. This environment has made it particularly difficult for new, unproven studios to secure sustained funding.
Industry observers have noted that the shutdown highlights the risks associated with venture-backed game development, where studios must achieve significant milestones to unlock further investment rounds. The news has sparked discussions within developer communities about the sustainability of independent studio models in the current economic landscape.
Next Steps for the Team and Project
With the studio’s closure, all development on its inaugural life simulation title has ceased. Jake Solomon confirmed that the team is being disbanded. He stated his intention to support the affected employees in their search for new opportunities within the games industry by providing references and assistance.
There is no indication that another publisher or studio will acquire the project or its assets. The future of the game concept remains uncertain. Solomon has not publicly disclosed his own professional plans following the winding down of Midsummer Studios. The closure process is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
