Possibility Space, a studio founded by State of decay According to several, creator Jeff Strain has ceased operations Social media Posts from his former employees.
A April 12 LinkedIn A post by Jennifer Lane, whose profile lists her as Live Director/Director of Social Systems at Possibility Space, says: “My company closed its doors today and there are now many great and competent colleagues who suddenly are open to work.” Please consider them for any open positions in design, engineering, art, community, and other roles. I’m also #opentowork and available to chat! Thank you very much.”
An email from Strain received from PolygonNicole Carpenter, blames the studio’s closure on the decision to cancel its major project, which Strain says was made after internal studios were leaked to the press. Names are explicitly mentioned in the email My city Chief reporter Ethan Gach.
Late last week, I received a list of topics and questions from Ethan Gach, a reporter at My city, regarding an article he is writing about Prytania Media and the closure of Crop Circle Games. Much of this was expected, but I was also stunned to see non-public information about the Vonnegut project, our publishing partner’s disclosure detailing our business and financial relationship, and details of internal profit and loss discussions and confidential cross-company meetings. Mr. Gach explicitly cites current employees as the source of his information.
Leaks of this type are usually malicious and caused by external hacker attacks. So it was shocking to see internal team members being involved under a confidentiality agreement. Given the company’s strict confidentiality and reporting requirements, I immediately boarded a plane to personally discuss the impact on the project with our publishing partner. During this discussion, our partner did not express confidence that they would be willing to invest the additional resources required to complete the game. That’s why we mutually agreed to cancel Vonnegut.
Due to the termination of the publishing relationship and after careful consideration, I am closing Possibility Space. Today is your last day working at Possibility Space and Prytania Media. Your final paycheck including wages through the end of today will be deposited into your account along with any other required payments depending on your work location. For employees outside the United States, today will be your first day of notice and your last day is currently scheduled for April 19, 2024. However, this applies to all non-US employees – as well as their US colleagues. No work obligations after today. Additionally, the separation of all employees connected through a PEO will be processed in accordance with applicable law.
It will take a few more days to finalize the details of the separation agreement with our publishing partner, calculate our tax, insurance, supplier and contractor obligations, and any other outstanding liabilities, and then determine what we can offer in severance.
I hired a global law firm based in DC to oversee the studio’s dissolution. An employment lawyer from this firm will contact your personal email address shortly with further details and this person will be your direct contact for all matters relating to your employment, including the continuation of insurance benefits, severance pay, etc/or associated separation agreements. A copy of this email has also been sent to your personal email address.
You may keep your development equipment provided that you permanently delete all Company information, confirm this in writing, and strictly comply with your existing confidentiality obligations, including the proper handling of Company intellectual property and other confidential and commercial information. This confirmation will be coordinated through the upcoming communications mentioned above.
As of today, I am retiring from the gaming industry to focus on my family and taking care of Annie. I wish you all much success in navigating this complex industry and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Jeff
Possibility Space was founded by Strain in 2021 under the label Prytania Media (which Strain founded with his wife Annie Delisi Strain).
