Last year, developer Volition – most notable for the work on Saints Row & Red Faction – met a saddening end just exceeding it celebrating three decades of operating. Aligning with the ongoing Embracer Group operation downsizing and the performance of the latest Saints Row entry, it did in for the developer to face complete closure.

That is not the only team that met a similar fate. Later on in 2023, it was reported that shortcoming did confront Free Radical Design which also squandered efforts on a new Timesplitters titles as well. Even more, newer acquisitions are under the same scrutiny too. This week, Bloomberg reports that continued layoffs now reaching Eidos-Montreal also shuttered an ongoing Deus Ex project that was in development for two years already.

Amid the ashes, however, former Volition employees have now formed Shapeshifter Games according to the studio’s LinkedIn page. “Shapeshifter is a new co-development studio that was started by pulling together a group of experienced developers from Volition. We are focused on AAA game development. One of the goals of the company is to create a more sustainable environment for developers to do their best work.”

The post continues, “We’re already hard at work with a top publisher on their next great IP and looking to grow.” Principal producer of Volition Rob Loftus also posted: “It’s been five months since the closure of Volition, but I’m grateful to post that a group of us have re-formed as Shapeshifter Games. The industry climate remains tough and I know I’m fortunate to reconnect with colleagues and turn the page on a new adventure. I’m hopeful for more groups like us and for the brighter days ahead.”

In a familiar turn of events, we witnessed a similar outcome for once-Typhoon Studios as Raccoon Logic was formed following the closure of Stadia Games & Entertainment previously. You can read the full report by heading here.

What are you hoping to see from Shapeshifter Games?

Source: LinkedIn