Counterplay Games, the developer known for Godfall, may have officially shut down, according to recent reports. A LinkedIn post from an employee at Jackalyptic Games—shared by PlayStation Lifestyle—suggests that Counterplay has “disbanded.” The news adds weight to the growing silence surrounding the studio, which has not made a game announcement since the 2020 release of its debut title.
Godfall Fails to Gain Traction
Despite being one of the first games announced for the PlayStation 5, *Godfall* failed to capture a strong audience. Many players criticized it for repetitive gameplay and a lackluster narrative. Although a major update in 2021 aimed to improve the experience, the title struggled with low sales and difficulty retaining a consistent player base. While not universally panned, its underwhelming performance likely contributed to the studio’s instability.
A Silent Disbandment?
The alleged shutdown appears to have happened quietly, with no official statement from Counterplay Games. According to the LinkedIn post, the collaboration between Jackalyptic Games and Counterplay on an unannounced project ended before reaching 2025, suggesting the disbandment occurred toward the end of 2024. This would align with the studio's prolonged silence, especially after bringing *Godfall* to Xbox on April 7, 2022.
Part of a Larger Trend
If confirmed, Counterplay Games' closure places it among a growing list of studios affected by the industry’s rising costs and heightened expectations. In 2024 alone, Sony shut down Firewalk Studios following the failure of *Concord*, and later closed Neon Koi to reallocate resources. Unlike those cases, Counterplay was reportedly not terminated by a parent company, but rather fell victim to the broader financial pressures facing developers today.
With development budgets soaring and market competition intensifying, even well-anticipated titles are not guaranteed success. Developers like 11 Bit Studios have also faced setbacks, announcing layoffs amid concerns over profitability. While the exact cause behind Counterplay’s reported closure remains unclear, the challenges facing smaller studios appear to be a contributing factor. Until an official statement surfaces, fans of *Godfall* and hopefuls for future Counterplay titles will have to wait for further details.