The Demise of Hopoo Games and Their Move to Valve

Hopoo Games, the creators of Risk Of Rain and Risk Of Rain 2, have announced that they are closing down their studio and transitioning to work at Valve. This move comes as a surprise to many, especially since they were in the middle of developing a new game titled “Snail”. The co-founders, Paul Morse and Duncan Drummond, along with other team members, will be joining Valve to work on new projects. This decision marks the end of a 12-year journey for Hopoo Games, filled with memorable experiences and dedicated fans.

Joining the Valve Team

Hopoo Games’ decision to join Valve is not unprecedented in the indie game industry. Campo Santo, the developers behind Firewatch, also made a similar move to work at Valve. While the specifics of Hopoo Games’ role at Valve remain unknown, it is clear that they will be contributing to the development of new games. The transition from an indie studio to a larger company like Valve brings both challenges and opportunities for the team.

With Hopoo Games no longer actively developing games, fans are left wondering about the fate of Risk Of Rain 2 and any potential sequels. The recent lukewarm reception of the game’s DLC may have contributed to the studio’s decision to move on. It is worth noting that the rights to the Risk Of Rain series were sold to Gearbox in 2022, shifting the responsibility of future content to a new team. Despite this, the original developers expressed their support for Gearbox’s efforts in continuing the franchise.

As Hopoo Games begins their new chapter at Valve, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the projects they will be working on. Speculations suggest that Valve’s upcoming multiplayer shooter, Deadlock, could benefit from their expertise. Valve’s internal working environment is known for its unconventional management structure, which has piqued the interest of many industry insiders. While the specifics of Hopoo Games’ role at Valve remain shrouded in mystery, their expertise and passion for game development are sure to make a significant impact.

The dissolution of Hopoo Games marks the end of an era for the indie game development scene. Their journey from creating beloved roguelike games to joining a major player like Valve symbolizes the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. As they embark on this new adventure, fans can only hope for exciting collaborations and innovative projects from the talented individuals behind Hopoo Games.