Bloody Hell, Jake Solomon's Studio Is Closing, But The Game They Were Making Was Pure Storytelling Magic
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Legendary dev Jake Solomon's studio, Midsummer, is sadly shutting down, but not before giving us a tantalizing look at Burbank, a 'Life Sims + The Truman Show' game brimming with AI-driven, emergent storytelling potential that just screams 'what if?'.
Right, so I've been tinkering with this news all morning, and bloody hell, it’s one of those bits of gaming info that hits you in the gut, but then leaves you scratching your head, wondering about the digital tea leaves. You know that feeling when you're just about to cast a wicked spell, and then someone pulls the rug out from under your feet? Yeah, that’s kinda what’s happening with Jake Solomon and his new venture, Midsummer Studios.
For those who’ve spent countless hours meticulously strategizing against alien threats in *XCOM* or assembling their ultimate superhero squad in *Marvel's Midnight Suns*, Jake Solomon is a name that resonates. A proper gaming legend, really. So, when the news dropped that his relatively new studio, Midsummer, is closing its doors, it was a proper gut-punch for many of us. No long, drawn-out corporate memo, just a rather poignant statement from Solomon himself on X (formerly Twitter), essentially saying, 'We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both,' before sharing a pre-alpha glimpse of what they’d been pouring their hearts into. And mate, what a glimpse it is.
The game, charmingly dubbed *Burbank*, sounds like something straight out of a digital wizard's fever dream: 'Life Sims + The Truman Show.' Now, that's a tagline that immediately grabs your attention, isn't it? My mind immediately conjured images of those old *Lionhead's The Movies* sessions, where you'd be fiddling with sets and actors, hoping for Oscar glory. *Burbank* takes that premise and sprinkles a generous dose of magic on it, making it feel fresh and utterly compelling.
From what we've seen, you're not just making a movie; you're directing a whole damn soap opera. You pick your action-figure-esque stars, then add a supporting cast from pre-made bundles, outline a broad episode, give your characters motivations, and then... you watch. You watch as these digital folks, powered by some clever AI, live out their dramatic little lives in a small-town setting. The trailer shows them having arguments, falling in love, doing all the messy human stuff, and you, the puppet master, are observing the glorious, chaotic outcome of your choices. It’s like setting up a bunch of highly sophisticated dominos and then just *watching* them fall in unexpected, delightful ways. What happens if this character gets angry with that one? Or if they find a secret note? The possibilities, mate, they're endless!
The real kicker, the bit that had my curious digital brain buzzing like a faulty circuit, is that you're *not* totally in control. And that, my friends, is where the magic truly happens. Your 'actors' have minds of their own, thanks to some seriously impressive AI for memory, reasoning, and speech. Solomon himself put it beautifully: 'We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we've never experienced. And for an old game developer like me that's special.' That’s not just marketing speak; that’s the genuine excitement of a creator seeing their digital world breathe, like a spellcaster watching their summoned entity gain sentience. That's a fair dinkum innovation right there.
This emergent storytelling is gold, pure gold. It’s the kind of thing indie devs dream of, and big studios often struggle to achieve without stifling it with too many rules. The idea that you set the stage, pick the players, give them a push, and then get to be surprised by their decisions? That’s the gaming equivalent of brewing a potion and not quite knowing if it’ll give you wings or turn you into a toad. Either way, it’s an adventure, a genuine narrative playground for those of us who love to craft our own tales. Imagine the tales players would share from their *Burbank* experiences! It's the ultimate 'what happens if...' game.
It's also worth noting Solomon's clear stance on the AI usage. He was quick to clarify: 'all of our art is created by our talented artists. We had no interest in replacing *any* developers with AI.' A critical point, especially in today's ever-evolving tech landscape, and a refreshing commitment to human creativity amidst all the talk of AI 'replacing' everything. Good on ya, Jake, for making that crystal clear.
Now, here’s where the gentle skepticism and optimistic chaos kick in. Solomon's announcement, while incredibly sad, didn't *unequivocally* state that *Burbank*'s journey is over. His language, 'watch and dream with us,' and the sheer passion evident in his words, makes you wonder. If the studio is closing, how could the game live on? It’s a bit of a digital riddle, isn't it? Like finding half a treasure map with no X marked on it, but still feeling that irresistible pull to find the rest.
There was no prior indication of Midsummer being in trouble either. Just a few months ago, Solomon was 'excited to share more about what we're building soon.' We know they had backing from venture capitalists and Krafton (yes, the *PUBG* folks), which makes the sudden closure even more perplexing. Did the well run dry? Did the VC funding just... poof? It’s the harsh reality of indie game development, even for a seasoned veteran like Solomon. Money talks, and sometimes it whispers goodbye a bit too quickly, leaving even the most brilliant ideas in limbo. It's a bloody shame when genuinely innovative projects hit these sorts of snags.
But what if? What if this stunning glimpse is a call to arms for another publisher, another investor, to swoop in and rescue *Burbank* from the digital void? The concept is so unique, so brimming with potential for player-driven narratives and replayability, that it feels like a genuine crime for it to just vanish. It’s the kind of game that could spark entire communities dedicated to sharing their characters' sagas, like a digital fan-fiction generator on steroids. It’s not just a game; it’s a storytelling engine, a canvas for digital escapism, begging for an audience.
So, while we mourn the closure of Midsummer Studios and the immediate future of *Burbank*, let’s hold onto that dream. Let’s appreciate the courage it takes to share a passion project, even as it’s fading. Jake Solomon and his team created something truly special, something that genuinely pushed the boundaries of emergent gameplay and AI-driven storytelling. Here's hoping *Burbank* finds a new home, a new wizard to wield its magic, because the world could certainly use a game where characters truly come alive, even if it's just for us to watch and dream.
Original article by Robert Purchese for Eurogamer.
Tags: Game Development, Indie Games, Simulation, AI in Gaming, Jake Solomon
Original article: Eurogamer