DrDisrespect’s Studio Midnight Society Closes After Layoffs
The news of Midnight Society, the game development studio co-founded by the controversial streamer DrDisrespect, shutting its doors comes as a surprise to many in the gaming community. This closure follows significant layoffs that occurred four months prior, marking the end of a tumultuous period for the studio. The recent development coincides with Google’s decision to lift the monetisation ban on DrDisrespect’s YouTube channel, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics alike.
A Brief History of Midnight Society
Midnight Society was established by DrDisrespect, whose real name is Guy Beahm, and former Call of Duty community manager Robert Bowling in 2021. The studio gained attention when it announced its debut title, the free-to-play vertical extraction shooter Deaddrop, the following year. Despite initial promise, the studio faced numerous challenges in 2024, particularly after Beahm admitted to engaging in “inappropriate” communications with a minor in 2017. This revelation led to a series of events that ultimately contributed to the studio’s downfall.
The Downfall of Midnight Society
Following the allegations against Beahm, Midnight Society found itself embroiled in controversy. Despite attempts to distance themselves from Beahm’s actions, the studio was unable to overcome the negative publicity. In September, Midnight Society announced significant layoffs, citing unforeseen challenges as the reason behind the decision. The closure of the studio was a blow to the 55 developers who had worked tirelessly on the upcoming title, Deadrop. In a statement shared on social media, Midnight Society expressed gratitude to its community members and regretted falling short of its goals.
Google’s Reversal and DrDisrespect’s Reaction
The timing of Google’s decision to lift the ban on DrDisrespect’s YouTube monetisation is nothing short of ironic. The suspension was initially imposed in response to Beahm’s admission of inappropriate behavior, but Google chose to uphold the ban following an appeal in October. Beahm’s attempt to downplay the seriousness of his actions by referring to them as “jokes” did little to sway Google’s decision at the time. However, in a surprising turn of events, Google has now reinstated the monetisation of Beahm’s channel.
In response to the news, Beahm expressed a sense of bewilderment during a stream, highlighting the bizarre circumstances surrounding the closure of Midnight Society and the reinstatement of his channel’s monetisation. The unpredictable nature of these events underscores the complexities of navigating the gaming industry and the challenges faced by content creators in maintaining their online presence.
As the dust settles on the closure of Midnight Society and the reinstatement of DrDisrespect’s monetisation, the gaming community is left to ponder the implications of these developments. The legacy of Midnight Society, once a promising venture in the world of game development, serves as a cautionary tale of the fragility of success in an industry marked by rapid change and intense scrutiny. Ultimately, the lessons learned from this chapter in gaming history will shape the future of content creation and studio collaboration for years to come.
