Romero Games isn’t closing up shop, at least not yet. After losing its publisher and parting ways with its entire staff, the studio has confirmed it’s still operating and actively weighing its next move.
Romero Games confirms it hasn’t shut down
Despite the rumors flying across social media, Romero Games has clarified that it’s not closed. The confusion came after news of major layoffs and the abrupt cancellation of the studio’s in-progress project. In a formal statement, the team said it’s “not closed” and is currently “discussing next steps” for the future.
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Publisher exit forced layoffs and game cancellations
The studio’s current project was dropped after their publishing partner pulled funding. While the publisher wasn’t named due to confidentiality agreements, many assumed it was a major platform holder. The decision to end the deal came from the publisher, not Romero Games itself. With that support gone, the studio canceled the project and laid off the full team.
Here’s what Romero Games confirmed in its public update:
- The game they were working on is officially canceled
- All staff have been laid off as part of a studio-wide reassessment
- The studio itself is still open and functioning
- Multiple new publishers have expressed interest in the project
Romero Games layoffs led to shutdown rumors
Once news of the layoffs spread, many assumed the entire company had folded. With 99% of its team gone and no immediate communication from leadership, it was easy to believe the worst. But Brenda and John Romero held back until the situation could be formally addressed, and now they’re pushing back against the “shutdown” label.
New publishers are talking to Romero Games
The biggest surprise came at the end of Romero Games’ statement. According to the studio, several publishers have already reached out with interest in picking up the canceled project. They’re reviewing those options now. If one of the deals lands, the game could return to development, and the studio might even rebuild.
Still standing, still deciding
Romero Games has been gutted, but not buried. The doors are open, discussions are happening, and publishers are circling. It’s unclear what comes next, but for now, the studio refuses to vanish. When the lights go out, they’ll say so themselves. Until then, they’re still in the fight.
