Molten Games appears to be in dire straits. The San Diego, California-based studio,
founded less than a year ago by Blizzard and Sony Online Entertainment veterans, has apparently laid off its entire staff -- though some evidence suggests it has not yet closed and will continue to seek other sources of funding. The studio, though independent, was originally backed by online game publisher NCsoft.
Gamasutra was first tipped off by an industry veteran who can confirm he has spoken directly with multiple affected staff, but the evidence has been mounting across the web.
In a thread on the Polycount forums, two posters
speak of direct knowledge of the studio layoffs, one saying "the whole studio is looking for work as of yesterday." An art director also
alludes to a cancelled Molten project on his blog.
It seems you can see that project for yourself. Joshua Kriegshauser, the company's director of technology, also confirmed in two March 29 tweets that production had shut down on the company's game,
sharing one YouTube video entitled "AlphaGameplayPromo" and
another labeled "WatchYourSix."
Finally, the San Diego IGDA chapter has
labeled a post on its Facebook page detailing the studio's layoffs "confirmed."
However, the current status of the studio is a little bit murkier. While many posts allude to its closure -- understandable when a company sheds all of its staff -- the San Diego IGDA Facebook post adds "They are currently seeking funding to continue development."
Gamasutra tried but was unable to reach Molten Games for comment. An NCSoft spokesperson has said the company cannot comment on the studio's potential closure or its current relationship with Molten Games, as its relationship was as an investor and it had no part in managing the studio.
