Midsummer Studios Announces Closure
▼ Summary
– Midsummer Studios, founded in May 2024 by veteran developers from major game franchises, is shutting down.
– The studio’s co-founder announced the closure while expressing pride in the studio and its in-development game, Burbank.
– Burbank is described as a life simulation game conceptually similar to “Life Sims + The Truman Show.”
– The game was designed to empower players as storytellers, allowing them to create and share their own character-driven narratives.
– The developers reported unique, special moments during playtesting where the game’s characters felt exceptionally alive.
The newly formed Midsummer Studios, a venture launched by experienced creators from major franchises like Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and The Sims, is shutting down. Co-founder and creative director Jake Solomon confirmed the closure, marking a brief but ambitious chapter for the team. Solomon expressed pride in the studio’s work, stating the team built something meaningful and developed a compelling game before the decision to cease operations.
“We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both,” Solomon said. Before the studio closes permanently, he wanted to offer a look at their project, titled Burbank. The game was pitched as a unique blend of life simulation and narrative spectacle, going beyond simple comparisons. It was described as an experience akin to ‘Life Sims meets The Truman Show,’ but with deeper creative aspirations.
Solomon elaborated on the game’s core vision, emphasizing a belief in player-driven storytelling. “I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank lets you do that,” he explained. He noted that during development, the team witnessed characters achieving a remarkable sense of life and autonomy, creating moments that felt genuinely special even to seasoned developers.
The announcement included a first look at gameplay footage, providing a glimpse into the unrealized world of Burbank. The video showcases the systems and character interactions that defined the project, highlighting the creative potential Solomon and his team sought to unlock for players.
(Source: Gematsu)
