The developer of Beyond Eyes has decided not to renew her contract with publisher Team17 after an alleged breakdown in communications. The game will cease from sale after the current contract ends.
According to her Twitter account, Sherida Halatoe, the indie developer who created Beyond Eyes has cut off ties with her publisher. It appears that the relationship soured as Halatoe wrote: “I wish I could say it was a pleasure working with them but it would be a lie”.
Beyond Eyes was heralded for it’s unusual and inspiring visuals when it was first released in 2015. The game’s description reads:
“Beyond Eyes is a modern fairy tale about finding courage and friendship. Step by step, uncover an incredible world, carefully guiding Rae, a young blind girl, on a life changing journey.”
It used soft, watercolour-inspired graphics to convey the main character’s blindness.
What happened with Team17?
Following the announcement earlier this month that Beyond Eyes would be being withdrawn, other indie developers were quick to ask Halatoe what had caused the breakdown in the relationship with Team17.
Writing on Twitter, Halatoe elaborated: “Postlaunch redefining parts of the agreement without consent and bad communication are the main takeaways.” She went on to say that she believed these were common frustrations with other indie developers in Team17’s line up.
Halatoe has spoken about being at the start of a wave of innovative, diverse games which explored new narratives and art styles.
If you are an indie developer working with Team17 who has a story you’d like to share get in touch with us. We have approached Team17 for comment.
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Featured Image Credit: Tiger and Squid