The Fall of League Of Geeks

In a surprising turn of events, the Australian developers League Of Geeks have announced that they are going “into hibernation.” This decision comes after over 13 years of being an independent studio and facing the harsh economic realities of the game industry. The team has decided to take an extended break, with no clear indication of when or if they will return to revive the studio.

League Of Geeks gained recognition for their fantasy strategy games, including the well-received Solium Infernum. However, despite strong reviews, the game failed to generate enough sales to sustain further development or DLC. This setback, along with the economic challenges in the industry, contributed to the studio’s decision to go into hibernation.

The announcement of League Of Geeks’ hibernation did not come as a complete shock, as there were already warning signs prior to this decision. In 2023, the studio had to pause development on Jumplight Odyssey and lay off half of their staff due to rising costs, a weak Australian dollar, and poor sales. The launch of Solium Infernum was seen as the last hope for the studio’s future, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations.

One of the casualties of League Of Geeks’ hibernation is Jumplight Odyssey, which failed to attract the necessary investment to continue development. The studio had initially planned to bring the game out of Early Access with a fully realized v1.0 release, but now they are aiming to release it in the next 12 months without meeting their original vision.

The decision to put League Of Geeks into hibernation marks the end of an era for the independent studio. While they are unsure of what the future holds, they look back with pride on the achievements they have made over the years. From crafting memorable experiences to inspiring peers in the industry, the studio leaves behind a legacy that will not be easily forgotten. Community members who supported them along the way are thanked for their unwavering dedication.

The fall of League Of Geeks serves as a cautionary tale for independent developers in the game industry. Despite their talent and dedication, even the most successful studios can face setbacks that lead to difficult decisions. As the industry evolves, it is essential for developers to adapt to changing circumstances and find ways to overcome challenges in order to survive and thrive.