Telltale Games – award-winning developers of narrative-driven games – appear to be closing their doors. After early reports of layoffs, now confirmed by their official press statement, the future of the studio is in doubt.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting games such as The Wolf Among Us Season Two and Stranger Things, a much-hyped collaboration with Netflix on the back of their incredibly popular TV series.
Unexpectedly, we’ve learned tonight that Telltale is in serious trouble, with social media reporting the studio has laid off over a hundred people.
The potential closure of a fan-favourite studio has led to speculation about the future of some of its most popular titles – particularly, The Walking Dead.
Telltale’s The Walking Dead won the hearts of the fans for its in-depth (and honestly, really damn heartbreaking) narrative, and the last season is well underway with a new episode due shortly.
Re: I got laid off at Telltale
None of my sleepless nights or long hours on weekends trying to ship a game on time got me severance today. Don’t work overtime unless you’re paid for it, y’all. Protect your health. Companies don’t care about you.
— Brandon Cebenka (@Binkysaur) September 21, 2018
Tweets are appearing suggesting the game won’t actually see its climax – meaning Clem might not get the happy ending she so rightfully deserves (#JusticeForClem).
According to Twitter user Matt Kim, it seems Clem’s story is getting a premature ending. He posted to Twitter:
“New update on Telltale, and possibly the last for today. In light of the statement from Telltale and Pete Hawley The Walking Dead Final Season has also been cancelled. The skeleton crew remaining at Telltale is working on Minecraft Story Mode for Netflix.”
New update on Telltale, and possibly the last for today. In light of the statement from Telltale and Pete Hawley The Walking Dead Final Season has also been cancelled. The skeleton crew remaining at Telltale is working on Minecraft Story Mode for Netflix. https://t.co/dgEGaUwyhE
— Matt Kim (@LawofTD) September 21, 2018
It’s yet to be confirmed by Telltale whether or not the game is really is dead in the water, but they did confirm that the studio is facing some serious issues…
Posting their PR statement to Twitter, they confirmed: “Today Telltale Games made the difficult decision to begin a majority closure following a year marked by insurmountable challenges.”
Read the full statement below.
— Telltale Games (@telltalegames) September 21, 2018
We’re expecting to hear more on the fate of Telltale’s The Walking Dead, as fans who’ve purchased their season passes wonder whether or not they’ll be getting their money back.
More to follow.
Shocked. Thanks to all the amazingly talented people who let me play August and Rocket. Cream always rises. Will see you elsewhere on future projects! https://t.co/tDJnzHlkFX
— Nolan North (@nolan_north) September 21, 2018