Humanoid Origin, the studio created by Casey Hudson, the former director of Mass Effect, is halting the development of its sci-fi game and preparing to close its doors due to a lack of funding.
Casey Hudson founded Humanoid Origin in 2021, after leaving his position as the general manager of BioWare. The studio was initially known as Humanoid Studios and was working on a new IP. A year later, Hudson revealed more details about the AAA sci-fi game, describing it as a character-driven narrative set in a new science-fiction world. Early concept art was also shared with the public.
However, in a recent statement, Casey Hudson announced that the project was being canceled, and the studio would be shutting down. He expressed sadness over not being able to complete the new sci-fi universe but emphasized that his main priority was supporting the team during this transition.
The closure of Humanoid Origin adds to the increasing number of job losses in the gaming industry this year. Over 14,000 individuals have been affected by layoffs, surpassing the total number of job cuts in 2023, which was 10,500. This trend has raised concerns about the challenges faced by employees in the gaming industry.
Chris Tring, a writer for GamesIndustry.biz, explored the reasons behind the significant job losses in the gaming sector in a recent article for Eurogamer. The article delved into the factors contributing to the high number of layoffs and the impact on industry professionals.
As the gaming industry faces ongoing challenges, the closure of Humanoid Origin serves as a reminder of the difficulties encountered by studios and employees alike. Despite the setback, Casey Hudson expressed gratitude to the team for their hard work and dedication to the project. The legacy of Humanoid Origin may live on through the talent and creativity of its team members as they pursue new opportunities in the industry.
