PixelOpus, the small Sony Interactive Entertainment-owned studio best-known for its work on Concrete Genie, is shutting down. Sony confirmed in a statement to IGN that the studio will officially shutter on June 2.
In a tweet posted today, PixelOpus said that the studio’s adventure “has come to an end” while thanking its fans. The tweet read:
Dear friends, our PixelOpus adventure has come to an end. As we look to new futures, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of passionate players who have supported us, and our mission to make beautiful, imaginative games with heart. We are so grateful!
Dear friends, our PixelOpus adventure has come to an end. As we look to new futures, we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the millions of passionate players who have supported us, and our mission to make beautiful, imaginative games with heart.
We are so grateful! ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/rQO2Cgvhnq— PixelOpus (@Pixelopus) May 5, 2023
Pixel Opus senior environment artist Bob Archibald appeared to confirm the news, tweeting, “I like to think that with #ConcreteGenie – we made the world an ever-so-slightly better place… and not too many games these days have the chance to try and do that. I will always be grateful for my time building imaginative worlds with this incredible team. <3.”
I like to think that with #ConcreteGenie – we made the world an ever-so-slightly better place… and not too many games these days have the chance to try and do that. I will always be grateful for my time building imaginative worlds with this incredible team. <3 https://t.co/F4Rk5Y0mf9
— Bob Archibald (@archibob) May 5, 2023
I was only @Pixelopus since Jan, but it has been some of the most creatively fulfilling work of my career. The talent at this studio really blew me away. I’m grieving right now at the loss of a great team, and a great project. I hope we all land on our feet, preferably together. https://t.co/wcoghzz7B6
— Mark Vernon (@TheMarkVernon) May 5, 2023
It’s unclear what whether PixelOpus’ team has been laid off. Sony told IGN in a statement.
PlayStation Studios regularly evaluates its portfolio and the status of studio projects to ensure they meet the organization’s short and long-term strategic objectives. As part of a recent review process, it has been decided that PixelOpus will close on June 2.
Prior to its closure, PixelOpus was a small subsidiary of PlayStation Studios based in San Mateo. The studio was founded in 2014 and worked on Entwined and then later Concrete Genie, which received praise for its lavish artwork. We called it “short and sweet” in our review, writing, “Success in Concrete Genie comes easily – probably too easily for some – but that ease lets its best moments breathe… At heart, it’s an exercise in the pleasure of the artistic process – just like Concrete Genie’s core idea, you never really have to paint, but I absolutely wanted to.”
PixelOpus was reportedly working on an untitled project in collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation. It’s unclear whether that project will be moved to another team.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.