Bloody Hell, Funcom: Metal: Hellsinger's Devs Get the Axe – What Does This Mean For The Rhythm-Action Gods?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
The brilliant studio The Outsiders, creators of the critically acclaimed rhythm-action shooter *Metal: Hellsinger*, has been shut down as part of Funcom's recent layoffs, sparking skepticism about corporate decisions amidst success. Despite the grim news, founder David Goldfarb expressed hope for the team to continue in a 'new form,' highlighting their resilience and the human story behind the corporate upheaval.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're absolutely nailing a combo in your favourite game, everything's flowing, and then BAM – the internet drops out? Or perhaps, you've just cast a perfectly aimed firebolt, only for it to fizzle out into a sad puff of smoke because the mana bar decided to stage a protest? That's kinda the vibe I'm getting from the latest news out of the gaming industry, and fair dinkum, it’s a bit of a gut-punch.
Turns out, the brilliant minds behind the headbanging rhythm-action shooter *Metal: Hellsinger*, The Outsiders, are shutting down. Yep, you heard that right, mate. As part of a recent wave of layoffs sweeping through their parent company, Funcom (those folks responsible for *Dune: Awakening*), The Outsiders will be closing their doors for good. This grim news, originally reported by Oisin Kuhnke over at Rock Paper Shotgun on October 6, 2025, just feels… well, it feels wrong, doesn't it?
I’ve been tinkering with this story all morning, trying to make sense of it, and frankly, my digital tea leaves are showing a lot of head-scratching. Just last week, we were hearing about Funcom laying off an 'unspecified number' of staff, even while *Dune: Awakening* appeared to be chugging along quite nicely. And now, The Outsiders, a studio that delivered a truly unique, critically acclaimed, and genuinely *fun* game, is getting completely shuttered? It makes you wonder what kind of spell Funcom is trying to cast, because it's certainly backfiring on some incredibly talented folks.
David Goldfarb, the founder of The Outsiders, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share the devastating news. He posted a statement, and honestly, reading it feels like a glimpse into the heart of a developer who's just watched a decade of hard work go up in smoke. "I have not had much time to process the news but all of us at The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm have been affected by the layoffs at Funcom and our 10 year old studio will be closing," he wrote. Ten years, mate! That’s a bloody long time in this industry, especially for a studio that carved out such a distinctive niche.
Now, here's where the human story truly shines through the corporate gloom. Goldfarb’s statement went on to explain, "Many of us had survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled and because of the team's loyalty and refusal to quit, Metal: Hellslinger was born. It will always be a high point for me personally and I will be forever grateful we got to make it and for the wonderful team and partnerships that made it happen." This isn't just about a studio closing; it's about a group of resilient, passionate developers who faced adversity, picked themselves up, and delivered something truly special. *Metal: Hellsinger* wasn't just another shooter; it was a rhythmic ballet of demonic destruction, a game that made you feel like a rockstar while blasting hellspawn to the beat. Rock Paper Shotgun’s own Graham (bless his cotton socks) thought it was 'bloody good,' and I reckon he hit the nail on the head. It deserved all the accolades and more.
It makes you question, doesn't it? In an industry seemingly booming with blockbuster releases and endless acquisitions, why are the creative sparks – the very individuals who bring these digital worlds to life – so often the first to be sacrificed on the altar of 'restructuring'? It's a pattern we've seen far too often lately: big companies making big promises, then suddenly, the development teams, the actual wizards conjuring the fun, are out on their ear. It feels a bit like a game of Jenga where the pieces being pulled are the most crucial ones, all while the corporate tower wobbles precariously.
But even amidst the gloom, Goldfarb, ever the optimistically chaotic wizard, offered a glimmer of hope. He mentioned that the team is going to try and continue in "some new form." And here's where we, the curious gamers, can potentially lend a hand. He put out a call for help – business leads, assistance for employees finding new work, anything. It’s a powerful, humble plea that reminds you these aren't just faceless corporations; they're people, just like us, with dreams and mortgages and an unwavering love for making games.
So, what does this mean for us, the players? It means we're potentially losing a unique voice, a creative powerhouse that wasn't afraid to blend genres and crank the volume to eleven. It means a little less innovation, a little less daring in the gaming landscape, if these teams aren't given the stability and freedom to experiment. It's a stark reminder that even a beloved, well-received game doesn't guarantee the long-term survival of its creators under larger corporate umbrellas.
If you've got *Metal: Hellsinger* sitting in your library and haven't given it a spin, now's the time, mate. Fire it up. Experience the sheer joy and masterful execution of rhythm-action gameplay that this team poured their hearts into. It's not just a good game; it's a testament to the resilience and creative spirit of a studio that, despite facing a 'near-death experience' before, delivered a bloody brilliant experience. And let's keep our fingers crossed, and maybe even send a few good vibes (or job leads, if you're in the biz) towards David Goldfarb and his team. Perhaps, like a phoenix from the digital ashes, The Outsiders will indeed find a new form and continue to blast us with their unique brand of magic.
Tags: gaming industry, studio shutdown, Metal: Hellsinger, Funcom, developer layoffs
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun