KeokeN Interactive, the independent game development studio behind the critically acclaimed Deliver Us Mars and its predecessor, Deliver Us The Moon, has announced significant layoffs within its team. The studio announced a failure to secure crucial funding following its participation in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) as the reason for this difficult decision.
In a statement released via X (Formerly Twitter), Koen Deetman (CEO) and Paul Deetman (Managing Director) explained that they were unsuccessful in securing publishing opportunities, work-for-hire contracts, or co-development partnerships, ultimately leaving them with “no possible options.” This lack of financial support has forced them to lay off their entire staff.
The studio founders obviously expressed their sadness over the situation and emphasized their priority of helping their former team members find new positions within the industry. KeokeN is actively encouraging those with available roles in programming, tech art, level design, and other game development fields to contact them to connect with their talented pool of recently laid-off professionals.
Despite this devastating setback, the Deetman brothers remain resolute in rebuilding KeokeN Interactive. They acknowledge the arduous road ahead but are determined to continue their legacy of creating compelling games.
KeokeN Interactive will soon launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund Deliver Us Home, the highly anticipated continuation of their sci-fi adventure series. They envision this project as a collaborative effort to involve their community in the game’s development process. While undoubtedly a difficult time for the studio, this Kickstarter represents a crucial step in securing the future of KeokeN Interactive and the Deliver Us franchise.
I have had a hand in creating a few games under a publisher, so I understand it’s difficult. However, if the profits from your last game won’t be enough to make another in the series, maybe the best idea isn’t to try and continue the series anyway. That’s just my opinion, and we wish the team the best. Unfortunately, two years of effort didn’t secure professional funding, but maybe the Kickstarter will work out.
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