Ballistic Moon, the developer known for the remake of Until Dawn, has reportedly shut down operations following a series of layoffs. The UK-based studio faced its first round of job cuts in September 2024, just weeks before the remake’s release. By December, it appears the remaining employees were also let go, leaving only a minimal workforce behind.
Studio Closure Confirmed
According to a report from Insider Gaming, a second crackdown in December resulted in the loss of around 20 more staff members. Multiple sources indicate that this has left Ballistic Moon “effectively closed.”
Currently, only the studio founders and possibly a few other employees remain. Reports suggest that all departments, including public relations and marketing, have been fully disbanded.
A source commented on the state of the studio, stating, “People are sharing bugs they’ve found in the game to make the team aware, but there is no one working on patch support for the game anymore. The studio has effectively closed now.”
Challenges with Funding
Ballistic Moon is said to have encountered financial difficulties following the launch of Until Dawn. Insiders indicated that the studio’s owners sought to stabilize operations by proposing new projects to potential publishers, but these efforts did not result in securing the necessary funding. Negotiations for Sony to publish another title from Ballistic Moon also failed to yield positive outcomes, the report noted.
To date, the studio has not officially confirmed the layoffs. Additionally, there has been no announcement regarding future projects or updates on its direction.
Prior to the launch of Until Dawn, in September 2024, Ballistic Moon disclosed that it would be downsizing its workforce significantly. In a statement, the studio expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing its necessity for the company’s future.
The Until Dawn remake was released on October 4, 2024, for PS5 and PC. While it maintained the core gameplay and narrative of the original PS4 version, it featured improved graphics, new story elements, additional collectibles, and revised gameplay mechanics. A review from Gadgets 360 hailed the title as “undeniably fun,” despite questioning whether the enhancements justified a remake.
