The Rise and Fall of Versus Evil: A Look at the Indie Gaming Publisher's Closure
Versus Evil, the indie gaming publisher behind The Banner Saga, has officially shuttered its doors after laying off all of its staff. The closure of Versus Evil adds to the string of layoffs that have plagued the gaming industry in 2023. This article explores the history of Versus Evil, its major games, the circumstances leading to its closure, and the impact on the gaming industry.
The History of Versus Evil
Versus Evil, a small publishing company founded in 2013, was a prominent figure in the indie gaming industry. With a primary focus on independent studios, it gained recognition for its publication of well-received titles such as The Banner Saga, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire, and many others. The company's acquisition by tinyBuild in 2021 marked a significant turning point in its journey.
However, the events leading up to the closure revealed a grim reality. The 13-member Versus Evil team, including founder Steve Escalante, faced sudden layoffs just days before Christmas, adding to the wave of layoffs that have affected the gaming industry in 2023.
Twitter article posted by Versus Evil
The Closure of Versus Evil
The announcement of Versus Evil's closure sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The official statement on the company's Twitter account confirmed the closure and the subsequent layoffs. Former Versus Evil developer Francis Fincke's confirmation on Linkedin shed light on the abrupt nature of the staff terminations, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty during the holiday season.
The departure of founder Steve Escalante just weeks before the closure added a layer of complexity to the situation. His comments on the company's future under tinyBuild's management raised questions about the fate of unreleased games that Versus Evil had been working on.
The impact of Versus Evil's closure extends beyond the company itself. It serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by independent gaming publishers and developers in an industry that, despite its successes, remains uncertain for many.
Twitter article posted by Steve Escalante
The Impact on the Gaming Industry
The closure of Versus Evil adds to the growing list of gaming companies that have experienced layoffs in 2023. This trend, which has affected prominent studios such as CD Projekt Red, Bungie, BioWare, and others, underscores the volatility of the gaming industry despite its overall success.
The lack of an official statement from tinyBuild and its CEO, Alex Nichiporchik, has left fans and industry observers speculating about the circumstances surrounding Versus Evil's closure. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the company's unreleased games raises concerns about the future of indie titles previously associated with Versus Evil.
The closure of Versus Evil serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by gaming companies, especially independent publishers and developers. As the industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for stakeholders to navigate the complexities and uncertainties that come with it.
Twitter article posted by Alex Nichiporchik
