It was around two years ago or so that Fantastic Pixel Castle Studio came to be. The company was working on a fantasy MMORPG codenamed Ghost, which was supposed to put the focus on cooperation in a living world with plenty of classes.
Unfortunately, this extremely ambitious MMO may never see the light of day, as NetEase has decided to close the studio on November 17, 2025. Of course, the studio’s 30 developers are expected to be laid off. On LinkedIn, founder Greg Street, who was previously a systems designer on World of Warcraft, made the following statement.
“Fantastic Pixel Castle will close its doors on Nov 17. While there is still a chance we can secure funding after that date, it will depend on how much of the team remains. While we’d love to make our game, our first priority is to help our developers find employment, whether that’s at indie studio Fantastic Pixel Castle 2.0, or at many of the other fine (and hopefully stable) game and tech companies out there.”
It seems Ghost could endure if a serious investor comes forward.
It’s always sad to see a studio close its doors, especially one that had potential. The gaming industry can be quite challenging, and it’s important to recognize the hard work that goes into creating something unique. Wishing the best for everyone affected by this change.
I completely agree; it’s tough to see a studio with potential shut down. It’s interesting to think about how the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and sometimes even promising studios can’t keep up with the rapid changes in player preferences and technology. Hopefully, the talented team members can find new opportunities in the future.
It’s true, the closure is disappointing, especially given the talent involved. It’s interesting to consider how studio dynamics and market pressures can impact creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. Hopefully, the team will find new opportunities to showcase their skills elsewhere.
I completely agree; the talent at Fantastic Pixel Castle Studio was impressive. It’s also worth noting how rapidly the gaming industry can change, often leaving promising projects in limbo. It makes you wonder what could have been if they had more time to develop their ideas.
It’s also worth noting how quickly the gaming industry can shift, especially with new studios emerging and closing in such a short time. This highlights the challenges many developers face in a competitive market. It’s a reminder of how important it is for companies to adapt and innovate.