Telltale Games Essentially Shuts Down, Remaining Games Canceled

So we have some bad news - a string of news from Telltale Games, unfortunately.

It has been reported throughout the day that the studio is essentially closing down - by essentially, I mean that only 25 people will be kept on board with the studio, in order to fulfill contractual obligations. That means roughly 225 have been laid off without any severance packages.

This has since been confirmed by the official Telltale Games Twitter account:

"It's been an incredibly difficult year for Telltale as we worked to set the company on a new course. Unfortunately, we ran out of time trying to get there. We released some of our best content this year and received a tremendous amount of positive feedback, but ultimately, that did not translate to sales. With a heavy heart, we watch our friends leave today to spread our brand of storytelling across the games industry."

This means a few things:

• The Wolf Among Us 2, which has many fans of the studio hyped, is canceled.
• Stranger Things will no longer be in development.
• Perhaps worst of all... and according to Matt Kim, news editor for US Gamer:

"New update on Telltale, and possibly the last for today. In light of the statement from Telltale and Pete Hawley, The Walking Dead Final Season has also been cancelled. The skeleton crew remaining at Telltale is working on Minecraft Story Mode for Netflix."

In other words, there will be no ending for Telltale's The Walking Dead. Instead, Ep. 2 will be the final chapter. Oof.

Telltale co-founder and former CEO Kevin Bruner has since issued a statement on the closure:
 

"Today, Im mostly saddened for the people who are losing their jobs at a studio they love. And Im also saddened at the loss of a studio that green-lit crazy ideas that no one else would consider. Im comforted a bit knowing there are now so many new talented people and studios creating games in the evolving narrative genre."

Even Netflix had a say regarding the closure:

According to Variety:
 

"We are saddened by the closing of Telltale Games they developed many great games in the past and left an indelible mark in the industry. Minecraft: Story Mode is still moving forward as planned. We are in the process of evaluating other options for bringing the Stranger Things universe to life in an interactive medium."

(It was later changed to "We are saddened by the news about Telltale Games.)

Fortunately, a few game companies have been helping these lost developers, by offering them homes at their own studios. Referring to some tweets from the great companies:

Blizzard:
 

"To everyone affected, connect with our recruiters and check our openings. And thank you. The entertainment you've given us over the years has been incredible and is a testament to your collective talent and passion. Hang in there, thinking of you! 💙#telltalejobs #gaming #gamedev"

Ubisoft:
 

"#TelltaleJobs folks -- meet us Monday 9/24 on the patio at BJs in San Rafael starting at 4:30PM. Let's talk about job opportunities over some drinks & food, our treat."

Sony Santa Monica:
 

"Were incredibly sad to hear about the reported employee impact at Telltale. Were actively hiring and would love to connect. Storytellers, creatives, devs of all disciplines wanted. Email us direct sms@sony.com"

Gearbox Official:
 

"We are very sorry to hear about the layoffs at @TelltaleGames. To all of our friends affected, please check our current openings for possible matches: http://www.gearboxsoftware.com/careers/#telltalejobs"

...I feel so warm and fuzzy right now.

Anyway, we are very saddened by this closing and we wish the former employees of Telltale the best of luck as they settle into their new positions.