Midsummer Studios, a game development firm that launched with great ambitions in May 2024, has declared its closure. The studio, co-founded by ex-XCOM developer Jake Solomon, initially garnered the excitement of the gaming community with its daring commitment to “revitalise the life sim genre.” However, the journey has taken an unforeseen turn as Solomon announced the studio’s shutdown on social media this week.
In his sincere message, Solomon conveyed pride in Midsummer Studios’ achievements, despite its brief tenure. He used the chance to reveal a sneak peek of their project, Burbank, a distinctive build-your-own-TV-series game that incorporated a considerable amount of generative AI technology. This groundbreaking tactic aimed to provide players with a novel and immersive experience, echoing the life simulation genre’s promise.
Burbank, characterized as a game where players could develop and oversee their own TV series, was a demonstration of the ingenuity and commitment of the Midsummer Studios team. The pre-alpha video shared by Solomon offered a fleeting glimpse into the ambitious project that, regrettably, will not reach its full potential.
Solomon’s announcement was met with a blend of disappointment and gratitude from fans and industry colleagues. Many conveyed their respect for the studio’s efforts and the inventive idea behind Burbank. The closure of Midsummer Studios signifies the end of a hopeful endeavor, but the legacy of their creative process will likely motivate future projects in the gaming sector.
As the gaming community bids adieu to Midsummer Studios, the effect of their vision and the promise of Burbank will continue to spark conversations and inspiration for developers and gamers eager to push the limits of interactive storytelling and life simulation games.