Mass Effect Director’s Studio and Sci-Fi Game Halted Amidst Challenging Gaming Industry Climate

Regardless of who you are, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the gaming industry is facing significant challenges right now. The latest blow comes with the closure of Humanoid Origin, the studio founded by the director of the Mass Effect series.

It seems like every week this past year, we’ve been hit with announcements of layoffs, shutdowns, and other bad news, and this week sadly follows the trend. Back in 2021, Casey Hudson, renowned for his work on the original Mass Effect trilogy (and the not-so-famed Anthem), announced the creation of a new venture, Humanoid Origin, promising an “all-new IP.” However, that’s not happening anymore. Just yesterday, the studio’s official LinkedIn page revealed they are closing shop due to financial difficulties. Their statement read, “Earlier today, we informed our staff that Humanoid Origin will be shutting down. Despite our best efforts to shield the studio from broader challenges in the industry, an unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations.”

It’s a real blow for everyone involved, and the post goes on to express their deep disappointment over not being able to see their new sci-fi universe come to life. Their main focus now is ensuring their team finds new opportunities. They emphasized the incredible progress made and the collaborative culture they cultivated – a testament to the talent, bravery, and camaraderie of their team. They also extended gratitude to all those who’ve been supportive throughout their journey.

This news is part of a much larger, troubling trend. Financial hurdles have become increasingly prevalent, compounding over the past year alongside over 14,000 layoffs reported in 2024 alone. Here’s hoping that everyone from Humanoid Origin finds their next path soon and lands on solid ground once more.