The studio, which played a role in co-developing titles like The Callisto Protocol and The Bard’s Tale, is currently undergoing closure after 16 years of operation.
Puny Human, a game developer established in 2007 with contributions to several high-profile games over the years, has announced its closure. The studio will be permanently shutting down and is set to lay off all remaining staff by the end of this year.
Currently, they are in the process of liquidating their assets and selling off intellectual property (IP). They are also exploring the option of making those they are unable to sell available as open-source.
In a statement, CEO and studio manager Mike Sanders pointed to unpaid payments for co-development work as the primary cause of the company’s closure.
He stated:
“After several months of necessary silence on the topic, I am announcing unplanned layoffs from earlier this year, and that will continue as we seek to minimize all our future video game development efforts. Taking Puny Human from a full-time staff of twenty hardworking individuals in 2023 to zero is heartbreaking and difficult to reveal to our communities, advocates, and friends.
A client refused previously agreed-upon payments, which deprived us of the cash flow to fully pitch” an in-progress game. This led to “successive failures in our operating income. I take full responsibility for not sufficiently preparing for this outcome.”
Founded in 2007 as a “spiritual continuation” of the Team Dystopia modding group, Puny Human gained recognition for its original IP, including Dystopia, Blade Symphony, and Galacide.
In 2016, the studio expanded into co-development, offering assistance on projects like The Callisto Protocol, The Bard’s Tale 4, Tribes of Midgard, and Trover Saves The Universe.
The upcoming shutdown of Puny Human is another unfortunate development in a year that has seen several studio closures and significant layoffs in the gaming industry.
Earlier this year, studios like Volition, known for Saints Row, and Mimimi, despite releasing acclaimed games, also closed their doors. Additionally, Epic Games recently laid off nearly 900 employees, and Relic made several job cuts earlier this year. Even The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog is currently reducing its workforce.
While Puny Human has not revealed the identity of the client responsible for the unpaid dues, this situation has resulted in job losses and the closure of an entire studio.