Possibility Space: Indie Game Studio Shuts Down due to Internal Leaks
Recent News
Possibility Space, an indie game studio founded by the former CEO of Undead Labs, Jeff Strain, has abruptly shut down, leaving employees devastated. The closure comes just weeks after the studio’s parent company, Prytania Media, dissolved its Crop Circle Games division.
Internal Leaks and Cancelled Project
In an email to staff, Strain alleged that the studio’s closure was directly caused by internal leaks to the press. According to Strain, Kotaku senior reporter Ethan Gach received confidential information about Possibility Space’s upcoming project, “Project Vonnegut,” including details about the game’s publisher and financial arrangements.
The leaked information, Strain claims, prompted the publisher to withdraw its investment in the project, leading to its cancellation and subsequently the studio’s shutdown.
Confidentiality Breaches
Strain expressed shock and disappointment that current employees would breach the studio’s confidentiality agreement. He stated that such leaks are typically malicious and done through outside hacking, making the breach by trusted insiders particularly jarring.
Impact on Employees
The sudden closure has left Possibility Space employees scrambling for new opportunities. Former live director Jennifer Lane took to LinkedIn to seek support and announce her availability for new roles. The impact on the affected employees is significant, as they were all recently laid off without severance or notice.
Jeff Strain’s Future
In his email to staff, Strain indicated that he will be stepping away from the game industry to focus on his family and care for his wife, Annie Delisi Strain, who is battling a serious illness.
Fate of Prytania Media
The closure of Possibility Space raises questions about the future of Prytania Media and its remaining two studios, Dawon Entertainment and Fang & Claw. The company has not responded to requests for comment, and the status of these studios remains uncertain.
Divya