Sci-Fi Studio Founded by Casey Hudson Closes Without Releasing a Game
Humanoid Origin, the game studio launched by Casey Hudson in 2021, has announced its closure. Known initially as Humanoid Studios, the company aimed to create a groundbreaking narrative-driven AAA game set in a new science fiction universe. However, a lack of funding forced the studio to cease operations before completing its debut project.The announcement was made on the studio’s LinkedIn page, stating, “Despite efforts to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations.”Hudson, celebrated for his contributions to iconic BioWare titles like Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, founded Humanoid Origin after departing BioWare in 2020. During his tenure at BioWare, he directed several genre-defining games. After a brief stint at Microsoft Studios, Hudson returned to BioWare in 2017 before ultimately leaving to pursue independent projects, citing a desire to “make way for the next generation of studio leaders.”In 2022, Humanoid Origin revealed its first project: a multi-platform AAA game emphasizing a character-driven narrative set in an entirely new sci-fi universe. Aside from concept art showcased on the studio’s website, little else was revealed about the project before the studio’s closure.The shutdown of Humanoid Origin reflects a broader crisis in the gaming industry, with layoffs and closures impacting numerous developers. Over the past two years, the industry has witnessed over 23,000 job losses, with high-profile studios like Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Firewalk Studios also closing their doors in 2024.
Humanoid Origin, the game studio launched by Casey Hudson in 2021, has announced its closure. Known initially as Humanoid Studios, the company aimed to create a groundbreaking narrative-driven AAA game set in a new science fiction universe. However, a lack of funding forced the studio to cease operations before completing its debut project.The announcement was made on the studio’s LinkedIn page, stating, “Despite efforts to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations.”Hudson, celebrated for his contributions to iconic BioWare titles like Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, founded Humanoid Origin after departing BioWare in 2020. During his tenure at BioWare, he directed several genre-defining games. After a brief stint at Microsoft Studios, Hudson returned to BioWare in 2017 before ultimately leaving to pursue independent projects, citing a desire to “make way for the next generation of studio leaders.”In 2022, Humanoid Origin revealed its first project: a multi-platform AAA game emphasizing a character-driven narrative set in an entirely new sci-fi universe. Aside from concept art showcased on the studio’s website, little else was revealed about the project before the studio’s closure.The shutdown of Humanoid Origin reflects a broader crisis in the gaming industry, with layoffs and closures impacting numerous developers. Over the past two years, the industry has witnessed over 23,000 job losses, with high-profile studios like Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Firewalk Studios also closing their doors in 2024.
