The Downfall of Possibility Space: A Cautionary Tale

The sudden closure of Possibility Space, the second studio owned by Prytania Media to shut down in recent weeks, has sent shockwaves through the industry. Founded by Jeff Strain, the co-founder of ArenaNet and the founder of Undead Labs, the studio’s closure was announced in a message to staff citing leaks of internal information to a journalist as the reason behind the decision.

According to the message shared by Polygon journalist Nicole Carpenter, Strain was made aware of the leaks from a reporter at Kotaku, Ethan Gach. The leaked information included details about Project Vonnegut, the studio’s publishing partner, as well as internal discussions and meetings. This breach of confidentiality led to the cancellation of the project and the subsequent closure of the studio.

The Impact on Employees

In his message to staff, Strain revealed that today marks the last day of employment for all staff at Possibility Space. While a final paycheck for work up until this day will be deposited, there is no guarantee of any severance pay. Strain mentioned that it will take a few more days to calculate the studio’s remaining financial obligations and determine what, if any, severance can be offered to the employees.

Possibility Space was founded in 2021 as a fully remote studio and managed to attract top talent from the industry. With renowned professionals like Jane Ng, Liz England, and Austin Walker on board, the studio had ambitious goals and ample resources to match. However, despite the promising start, the leaks and subsequent closure have left the staff in limbo.

The closure of Possibility Space comes on the heels of Crop Circle Games, another Prytania studio, shutting down due to lack of financial support for their prototype. The handling of the closures, including the lack of respect shown to the employees, has raised concerns about the management practices at Prytania Media.

Jeff Strain’s leadership, both at Prytania Media and at Undead Labs, has come under scrutiny in recent times. Allegations of sexism, bullying, and burnout at Undead Labs, as reported by Kotaku, have tarnished his reputation. The decision to close down Possibility Space without offering adequate severance only adds to the criticism surrounding his leadership style.

As former Possibility Space staff look for new opportunities, the industry has been put on notice about the treatment of employees in game development studios. The closure of Possibility Space serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, communication, and respect in the workplace.

The downfall of Possibility Space highlights the impact of internal leaks, mismanagement, and lack of communication on a studio and its employees. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for studio leaders to prioritize their team members’ well-being and ensure a supportive work environment. The closure of Possibility Space should serve as a wake-up call for the industry to reevaluate its practices and prioritize the people who make game development possible.