Take-Two forces the closure of Star Theory Games, developer of Kerbal Space Program 2

The American studio Star Theory Games has been forced to close its doors abruptly after Take-Two ”canceled” the development of Kerbal Space Program 2 and, later, hired about half of its staff to continue the work. Internally. As denounced Several Star Theory workers, on December 6, and after two years of cordial treatment with Take-Two, received a private message through LinkedIn in which they were not only informed of the cancellation of the project but in which He encouraged them to submit a request to work with them: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it is necessary when company circumstances may affect the development, execution and integrity of the game. For this reason, we encourage you to apply for a position with us.

Star Theory Games was developing the continuation of the Kerbal Space Program, a rocket-building and space exploration simulator that was scheduled to launch later this year. Far from actually canceling the game, Take-Two, through Private Division, planned to continue development through a newly formed studio called Intercept Games. It already has a large part of the Star Theory staff, including three of its leads. Although at first the study planned a strategy to get ahead through various pitch and meetings planned for the GDC, the cancellation of the event and the difficulties derived from the current state of alarm ended up forcing the definitive closure. The founders of the study believe that Take-Two”s move is due to its refusal to buy. For his part, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, attributes the changes and delays in development to “COVID-19-related complications.”

In addition to developing the Monday Night Combat franchise for PC and Xbox, Star Theory Games is responsible for titles like Wayward Sky or the strategy game Planetary Annihilation. Founded in 2008, at the time of closing the studio had more than 60 employees.