Mass Effect creator’s studio closes down and cancels ambitious Sci-Fi game

Casey Hudson’s studio, Humanoid Origin, announced it will be closing down after experiencing funding shortfalls. The studio developed by the Mass Effect creator also canceled the development of its untitled AAA sci-fi game. Humanoid Origin’s closure continues a trend that has adversely affected the gaming industry.

The gaming industry has seen growing numbers in terms of gamers and revenue, which has motivated game publishers’ hopes of developing the next big game and competing for market shares.

Casey Hudson, the founder of Humanoid Origin, took a similar path to develop an ambitious sci-fi game. Unfortunately, three years after the studio was founded, Hudson took to social media to deliver a closing message.

Hudson announces Human Origin’s closure

Mass Effect creator @CaseyDHudson announced on LinkedIn that @HumanoidOrigin, working on new sci-fi IP, is shutting down.

"Despite efforts to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations." pic.twitter.com/ZCxvgjSy8M

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 25, 2024

Casey Hudson, the Mass Effect creator, announced that his game studio, Humanoid Origin, would be closing down. Hudson attributed the closure to “an unexpected shortfall of funding” that left the studio unable to sustain its operations. Hudson stated that the closure happened despite working to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry.

Humanoid Origin, previously known as Humanoid Studios, was founded in 2021 after Hudson left BioWare in 2020 to pursue new creative ventures. 

The studio’s announcement also addressed the status of its untitled sci-fi game that was under development by revealing that it would be canceled. Hudson’s post on Humanoid Origin’s LinkedIn profile stated that the studio was “heartbroken” by the fact that they would not be able to bring the new science fiction universe to completion.

Much like Hudson’s previous projects, Human Origin’s untitled AAA sci-fi project promised a character-driven narrative set in a unique universe. 

In March 2022, Hudson revealed details about the game by describing it as a  “multi-platform AAA game.” The former Mass Effect director said the game would focus on a narrative where gamers could explore an expansive new sci-fi universe. The reveal featured two concept art depicting the futuristic landscapes of the game. The concept art also contained quotes from Hudson and Izaak Moody, Humanoid Origin’s art director, who both praised the project for being part of what inspired them to make games. 

Humanoid Origin adds to piling industry layoffs 

Casey Hudson also announced that the game studio would be assisting staff through the transition to new employment as it closes. Hudson said that helping the staff was a priority and praised his team for the work done at the studio.

Some gamers found the studio’s closure surprising. They pointed out that it had been hiring staff as recently as May 2024. At the time, the studio advertised 10 positions, some of which were at the senior level. 

Human Origin’s announcement sparked a discussion among gamers and game developers online, with many of them expressing their disappointment. Some gamers noted the increasing difficulty of developing new original IPs in the industry.

In 2024 alone, over 14,000 employees lost their jobs, a significant jump from the 10,500 layoffs recorded in 2023.

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