Godfall Developer Shuts Down: Report

Summary

• Counterplay Games, the studio behind Godfall, may have shut down.
• A LinkedIn post from an employee of another studio suggests that Counterplay Games has 'disbanded.'
• Godfall struggled to maintain a player base due to repetitive gameplay and a lackluster story.

Counterplay Games, the developer of the PS5 launch title Godfall, may have quietly closed its doors. The news emerged from a LinkedIn post by an employee of Jackalyptic Games, indicating that Counterplay Games has 'disbanded.' The studio had been silent since the release of Godfall in 2020, with no new game announcements following the launch of their loot-heavy hack-and-slash title.

Despite being the first game announced for the PlayStation 5, Godfall failed to capture a significant audience. The game's repetitive gameplay and uninspiring story were major points of criticism, even after a significant update in 2021. As a result, it struggled to maintain a player base and did not perform well in sales.

The LinkedIn post, shared by PlayStation Lifestyle, mentioned a collaborative project between Jackalyptic and Counterplay that did not make it to 2025, leading to Counterplay's disbandment. This event seems to have occurred around the end of 2024, although Counterplay Games has not issued any official statement on the matter. The studio's last major move was bringing Godfall to Xbox on April 7, 2022, after which it remained quiet.

Counterplay Games May Be the Latest in a String of Studio Shutdowns

If confirmed, Counterplay Games would join the ranks of other studios that have recently shut down, reflecting a troubling trend in the gaming industry. Sony closed Firewalk Studios shortly after the release of Concord in September 2024 and shuttered Neon Koi in October of the same year to focus on more successful projects. Unlike those studios, Counterplay's closure was not initiated by a larger parent company, highlighting the challenges faced by independent studios in today's market.

The cost of game development has soared, and the pressure from both players and shareholders is immense. Indie studios like Counterplay face an uphill battle to stand out in a crowded market. Even anticipated titles from established developers like Frostpunk's 11 Bit Studios have led to layoffs due to profitability issues. While the exact reasons for Counterplay's reported shutdown remain unclear, similar industry pressures may have contributed. The studio has not provided an official statement, and fans are encouraged to await further information. For now, the future looks uncertain for those hoping for new releases from Counterplay or further support for Godfall.