Lightforge Games, the latest gaming studio to feel the impact of the industry's challenges, has announced significant changes in its operations. The team has revealed that it is downsizing to a skeleton crew and pausing the development of Project O.R.C.S., their highly anticipated first game. This decision follows a period of investor forums and publisher meetings, which unfortunately did not lead to sufficient funding to continue the project.
Project O.R.C.S. was a brainchild of former Blizzard and Epic Games developers and has been in the works since 2021. Initially, the studio secured substantial funding to kick off the development of O.R.C.S., which was envisioned as a revolutionary cross-platform 'social experience' with unparalleled world-building and freedom. The game was said to combine elements of Minecraft with TTRPG storytelling mechanics, promising gamers a unique and immersive gameplay experience.
Despite the studio's creative vision and experienced team, Project O.R.C.S. will remain on hold for the foreseeable future as Lightforge Games transitions to a scaled-down operation. In a statement on LinkedIn, the team's CEO, Matt Schembari, expressed pride in the work accomplished and the team formed during the project's lifespan. Despite the setback, the studio remains committed to its ethos of innovative storytelling and a determination to create something extraordinary.
Although details about Project O.R.C.S. remain undisclosed, the game managed to attract a dedicated following of gamers and enthusiasts eager to experience what the veteran-backed studio had to offer. Regrettably, Lightforge Games also announced the temporary closure of its community Discord server and social media channels as they regroup and reevaluate their future.
The decision to reduce operations to a 'skeleton crew' implies that Lightforge Games anticipates a potential return in the future. However, no concrete plans are currently in place, leaving fans uncertain about the fate of Project O.R.C.S. and the studio as a whole.
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