The recent closure of Possibility Space, a studio under the Prytania Media umbrella, has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. Founded by Jeff Strain, a well-known figure in the gaming world, the studio met its untimely demise due to leaks of confidential information to a journalist. Strain’s message to staff cited leaked details about Project Vonnegut, the studio’s publishing partner, and internal financial discussions as the catalyst for the closure. This betrayal by members of the internal team, who were bound by confidentiality agreements, ultimately led to the cancellation of Project Vonnegut and the subsequent shutdown of the studio.
With the closure of Possibility Space on April 12th, all staff were informed that it would be their last day of employment. While a final paycheck would be issued for work up until that day, there was no guarantee of severance pay. Strain mentioned that it would take a few more days to calculate the studio’s remaining financial obligations and determine what, if any, severance could be offered to the employees. This sudden and harsh ending left many in the gaming community stunned and disappointed, as talented individuals found themselves without jobs and uncertain futures.
Possibility Space was founded in 2021 with a remote work model, attracting established talent from the industry. With names like Jane Ng, Liz England, and Austin Walker on board, the studio had the potential for greatness. Despite never formally announcing a project, Strain had expressed ambitious goals and access to substantial resources to make those goals a reality. The studio’s closure came as a surprise to many, especially considering the talent it had managed to assemble in such a short period of time.
The shutdown of Possibility Space follows closely behind Crop Circle Games, another Prytania Media studio that ceased operations in March. Like its predecessor, Crop Circle Games struggled to secure financial support for further development, leading to its closure. The handling of the closures by Prytania Media has raised concerns within the industry, with reports of messy layoffs and disrespectful treatment of staff. The repeated closures have left many wondering about the future of the remaining Prytania studios, Fang & Claw, and Dawon Entertainment.
The closures of Prytania Media studios have shed light on the leadership practices of Jeff Strain, the man behind these ventures. With accusations of sexism, bullying, and burnout surfacing from his time at Undead Labs, it raises questions about his leadership style and the culture he fosters within his studios. Strain’s response to these allegations, as well as his handling of the recent closures, have painted a troubling picture of his leadership abilities. The fallout from Possibility Space’s closure serves as a cautionary tale for the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of ethical leadership and transparency in studio management.
The closure of Possibility Space marks a dark chapter in the world of game development. The betrayal of trust, the abrupt end to careers, and the questionable leadership practices have cast a shadow over Prytania Media and Jeff Strain. As the industry grapples with the aftermath of these closures, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of game development careers and the need for accountability at all levels of studio management. Let this be a lesson for all aspiring developers and industry veterans alike – integrity and respect are not optional in the world of gaming.
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