Funcom has closed The Outsiders, the studio founded by David Goldfarb. The studio is best known for creating Rhythm FPS Metal: Hellsinger. Funcom acquired the studio in June 2021. Goldfarb announced the sad news on LinkedIn.
“I have not had much time to process the news but all of us at The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm have been affected by the layoffs at Funcom and our 10 year old studio will be closing,” Goldfarb wrote.
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“Many of us had survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled, and because of this team’s loyalty and refusal to quit, Metal Hellsinger was born. It will always be a high point for me personally and I will be forever grateful we got to make it and for the wonderful team and partnerships that made it happen.”
The Outsiders was seemingly working on another title, which the founder said would have been better than their previous game. However, the news of the studio’s closure also means that the project has now been canceled.
“We aren’t giving up and will do our damnedest to continue on in some new form. If you think you can help in any way, with business leads, placement for employees, guidance, whatever it is, I would be genuinely grateful if you reach out here. Change is always tough and right now we are all hurting”
The Outsiders employees continue to react on social media
Several employees impacted by the closure of The Outsiders have continued to relive their experience or solicit help on social media following the announcement of the studio’s closure.
“Since the recent Funcom layoffs are unfortunately affecting everyone at our amazing Stockholm studio, I’m now exploring what the next step might be for me,” wrote office manager Charlotte Saka.
Concept artist Sabrina A. Salazar passed the same message in a slightly different way, “Due to the restructuring at Funcom, I am now looking for new opportunities. It has been a great couple of years working with so many inspiring and talented game developers on Conan Exiles and Dune: Awakening, the art team was incredible and I’m grateful for all they taught me.”
Several interns at The Outsiders have also had their roles cut short. Tech art intern, Nora, wrote, “Unfortunately due to the recent layoffs at The Outsiders / Funcom, I’m currently looking for a new internship as part of my education from now until April”.
Before the outright closure of The Outsiders, Funcom cut roles internally, with one social media manager blaming the layoffs on the studio’s refusal to send out review keys, which, according to him, did not allow Dune Awakening to reach its full potential.
