Hopoo Games, known for creating the popular roguelike Risk Of Rain series, has announced that they are closing down their studio. Co-founders Paul Morse and Duncan Drummond, along with other talented team members, are making the switch to join Valve for new game development roles. Their upcoming project, previously referred to as “Snail,” has been put on hold as they embark on this new chapter in their careers.
The decision to leave their own studio to work at Valve is a significant move for the Hopoo Games team. While they express gratitude for the opportunities and support they have received over the past 12 years, they are excited about the prospect of collaborating with the creative minds at Valve. This transition marks a new beginning for the developers as they dive into fresh projects and challenges under a different banner.
Joining Valve is not unprecedented in the indie game development scene. Other studios, like Campo Santo, responsible for Firewatch, have also made similar moves in the past. With Hopoo Games relinquishing the rights to the Risk Of Rain series to Gearbox, the team’s focus has shifted towards new endeavors alongside the Valve team. While there may have been challenges with the most recent Risk Of Rain 2 DLC, the developers are optimistic about their future projects.
The specifics of what the former Hopoo Games team will be working on at Valve remain undisclosed. Speculations point towards projects like the multiplayer shooter Deadlock, among other potential game concepts within the company. Valve’s internal dynamics and management style are often shrouded in mystery, but glimpses from past investigations and leaked information shed light on the unique environment they operate within. The transition to working at Valve presents both exciting opportunities and uncertainties for the developers, as they integrate into a new creative ecosystem.
As Hopoo Games bids farewell to their studio and embarks on a new journey with Valve, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the innovative projects that will emerge from this collaboration. The merging of talent and expertise from Hopoo Games with the creative powerhouse of Valve holds promise for the future of indie game development. While the closure of one chapter may signal the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of new possibilities and creative endeavors in the gaming industry.
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