Defiant Development, the Australian studio behind Hand of Fate and its sequel has announced that it's closing its doors after nine years. The studio's closure means the abandonment of a work-in-progress project named 'The World in My Attic', an ambitious-looking fantasy adventure.
"In 2010, Australia desperately needed studios to demonstrate that it was possible to have substantial, Australian owned, IP generating homes for talent. That there could be a studio model in Australia that would thrive without being dependent on international ownership. That Australian studios could make console games again," Defiant writes in
a heartfelt farewell message.
"Nine years later, there is no question that is true, and there are many Australian studios old and new demonstrating that Australian game development is truly world class" the message adds. "The Defiant model has always focused on creating games nobody else would. Games that reflected the skills and passions of our team. Games that did something new."
Defiant cites this "risky" approach to making games and a changing games market as reasons for ultimately shutting down. "The games market has changed in ways both big and small in the 9 years we've been in business," states the developer. "We have not been able to change quickly enough to continue with them."
You can take a look at Defiant's abandoned 'The World in My Attic' in the teaser below. The game had been scheduled for a 2021 launch, but will no longer see the light of day. The studio says that it will support its existing games "in caretaker mode" and offers thanks to everyone who supported Defiant during its nine years.
"Studios rise and studios fall, but people are always more important - to the people of Defiant, staff, friends, families, and partners, thank you. May your futures shine bright, and may you change the world for the better."
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