Mass Effect Director’s New Studio and Sci-Fi Game Shuttered Amidst Industry Challenges

The gaming industry certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted at the moment, evidenced by the recent closure of Humanoid Origin, a studio spearheaded by the visionary director of Mass Effect.

It seems like every other week brings news of layoffs or studio closures, and, regrettably, this week is no exception. Back in 2021, Casey Hudson, known for his work on the original Mass Effect trilogy and his involvement in Anthem, embarked on a new adventure with the founding of Humanoid Origin. The plan was to develop a brand-new IP, but, as disappointing as it is, that venture has come to an end. Just yesterday, Humanoid Origin took to its official LinkedIn page to break the news that, due to a funding crisis, the studio is closing its doors. “Earlier today, we informed our staff that Humanoid Origin will be shutting down,” the post announced. “Despite efforts to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations.”

It’s sad to see their ambitious science-fiction universe halted in its tracks. The studio expressed its disappointment but emphasized that their primary focus now is assisting their team in transitioning to new jobs. Over their time together, the team made significant progress and showcased that it’s entirely possible to achieve remarkable feats while nurturing a culture of creativity and fun. They extended heartfelt thanks to their team for their talent, bravery, and camaraderie, and also to everyone who supported them on their journey.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially since such outcomes are becoming alarmingly frequent. The funding issues have continued to grow alongside over 14,000 layoffs that have occurred already in 2024. Let’s hope the talented folks from Humanoid Origin find new opportunities soon.