In a bittersweet announcement, Jake Solomon, co-founder of Midsummer Studios and former designer at XCOM, has revealed that the studio will be closing its doors just a few months after its debut. The news comes with a brief look at their ambitious project, Burbank, a game aimed at blending life simulation with the peculiarities of reality television, reminiscent of The Truman Show.
Founded in May 2024, Midsummer Studios set out to invigorate the life sim genre, but the realities of game development proved unforgiving. Solomon took to social media to express his pride in both the studio and the game they created in their short time together. He shared some pre-alpha footage of Burbank, showcasing the potential of a title that harnesses generative AI to allow players to build and manage their own television series.
It’s a poignant moment for Solomon and his team, who clearly invested a great deal of passion into this project. Though the studio may no longer be operational, the legacy of their creativity, especially through a concept as innovative as Burbank, will linger in the minds of those who follow the evolution of gaming. This departure not only signals the end of Midsummer Studios but underscores the challenging landscape many small developers face today.
Source: rockpapershotgun.com
