Sony’s PixelOpus, creator of Concrete Genie, to shut down operations
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PixelOpus, best known for its work on the popular game Concrete Genie, is set to shut down on June 2, according to a statement from Sony. The small studio, which was a subsidiary of PlayStation Studios based in San Mateo, was founded in 2014 and gained praise for its lavish artwork and imaginative games.
In a tweet posted today, PixelOpus expressed its gratitude to the millions of passionate players who supported the studio and its mission to make beautiful and imaginative games with heart. The tweet hinted at a future beyond the studio’s closure, stating that “as we look to new futures, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you.”
Dear friends, our PixelOpus adventure has come to an end. As we look to new futures, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of passionate players who have supported us, and our mission to make beautiful, imaginative games with heart.
— PixelOpus (@Pixelopus) May 5, 2023
We are so grateful! ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/rQO2Cgvhnq
It’s unclear whether PixelOpus’ team has been laid off, but senior environment artist Bob Archibald expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to build imaginative worlds with the team, hinting that the closure may have been due to strategic objectives.
I like to think that with #ConcreteGenie – we made the world an ever-so-slightly better place… and not too many games these days have the chance to try and do that. I will always be grateful for my time building imaginative worlds with this incredible team. <3 https://t.co/F4Rk5Y0mf9
— Bob Archibald (@archibob) May 5, 2023
Despite its short lifespan, PixelOpus left a lasting impression on the gaming industry, with its game Concrete Genie receiving praise for its artistic process and imaginative core idea. The studio was reportedly working on an untitled project in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation, leaving fans wondering whether the project will be continued by another team.
I was only @Pixelopus since Jan, but it has been some of the most creatively fulfilling work of my career. The talent at this studio really blew me away. I’m grieving right now at the loss of a great team, and a great project. I hope we all land on our feet, preferably together. https://t.co/wcoghzz7B6
— Mark Vernon (@TheMarkVernon) May 5, 2023
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s important to recognize the contributions of studios like PixelOpus, which pushed the boundaries of creativity and inspired a new generation of gamers. We will miss the imaginative worlds and heartwarming stories that PixelOpus brought to life, but we look forward to the new futures that await both the studio and its talented team.
