Picture: Autumn GamesHidden Variable, the LA-based developer of Skullgirls Cell, has issued a press release revealing that the group is “not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts” since twenty first January and has initiated authorized proceedings in opposition to writer Autumn Video games.
Posted to social media platforms (thanks, Occasion Hubs), the assertion says that the authorized papers have been filed in LA and the group will not be making additional remark “till this dispute is resolved”.
The papers present that the developer is claiming breach of contract associated to failure to make “required funds” totalling over $1.2 million.
Official Hidden Variable Assertion Concerning Skullgirls Growth— Hidden Variable Studios (@hiddenvariable.com) 2025-03-06T06:17:47.621Z
Hidden Variable Assertion Concerning Skullgirls Growth
As of January twenty first, 2025, Hidden Variable is not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts as a consequence of a dispute with Autumn Video games which is now the topic of litigation filed within the Los Angeles County Superior Court docket. In mild of that, we hope you perceive that – past this assertion – we won’t be commenting additional till this dispute is resolved.All of us at HVS are extremely happy with the ten+ years we have invested in Skullgirls in all its kinds, together with creating and supporting Skullgirls Cell, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the aggressive group through the Skullgirls Championship Collection, and serving to followers new and outdated fall in love with the IP via the Skullgirls Webtoon and numerous different partnerships.Most of all, we’re grateful to have been in a position to have fun and help the incomparable Skullgirls group – a lot of whom we have been lucky to fulfill in individual over time at varied occasions.Thanks all for all the things – you deserve nothing however the most effective.Hidden Variable Studios
The writer issued its personal assertion on Twitter, aligning itself with the fandom and trying to rally help whereas additionally asserting Guilds for Skullgirls coming “later this 12 months” and making no particular reference to the dispute:
Picture: @sgmobile
An Replace on SkullgirlsTo the Skullgirls Neighborhood,At first, I wish to acknowledge the considerations surrounding latest bulletins.Skullgirls has all the time been greater than only a sport – it is a ardour mission, a dwelling murals, and a world formed by the love of its creators and gamers alike. From the earliest days, it has been this partnership with you, the Skullgirls Neighborhood, that has made the Skullgirls Universe so particular. And with that, I wish to let you understand – with no uncertainty – that Autumn Video games is right here to develop our funding, help, and improvement of the Skullgirls franchise.For the previous 15 years, Autumn Video games has labored behind the scenes because the unwavering spine of Skullgirls, making certain its progress and investing to carry this world to life. We’ve got been right here from the beginning-through each problem, each triumph, and each main milestone. With the unimaginable work, creativity, and help of varied groups: from Reverge Labs to Lab Zero, Future Membership, and Hidden Variable Studios; the Skullgirls Universe has developed in extraordinary methods regardless of important challenges.Nevertheless, it has turn into particularly clear that we collectively haven’t been delivering on our promise to you the followers; to carry new characters, tales, options, and sport modes in the best way you deserve. To be blunt, that’s the reason we’re making adjustments now.We aren’t a large company stepping in to take over; we’re sport builders, storytellers, and passionate followers, similar to you.With that in thoughts, I wish to make one factor clear: Skullgirls is right here to remain, and we’re totally dedicated to constructing its future.We aren’t right here to easily keep Skullgirls – we’re stepping in to reinvest in it, to develop the tales and gameplay, and to proceed to construct upon the Skullgirls Universe that all of us love.It might come as no shock that we have now an infinite provide of concepts – we all know you as followers do too. We’re listening and we can be delivering on our guarantees.To that time, we’re excited to announce that we are going to be launching Guilds for Skullgirls this 12 months, a very lengthy promised characteristic; which is now truly in improvement since we have now taken over in the previous couple of months.Your suggestions, your ardour, and your help imply all the things to us. Thanks for being a part of this unimaginable journey – we will not wait to take Skullgirls into this new chapter collectively.Come be part of the dialogue on the Skullgirls Discord and keep tuned for updates quickly.Jason and the Autumn Video games Crew
That is the most recent in an extended line of problems and controversies across the standard however troubled combating sport, the cell model of which was developed solely by Hidden Variable.
Remnants of the unique developer Reverge Labs reformed as Lab Zero Video games following layoffs in 2012, and a falling out with Konami led to the Encore version of the sport (which grew to become 2nd Encore).
In 2020, allegations in opposition to lead designer Mike Zaimont’s conduct and a collection of resignations led to Hidden Variable and the writer chopping ties with Lab Zero fully, after which Zaimont fired all remaining workers. Former members of the Lab Zero group then shaped Future Membership to proceed work on the sport together with Hidden Variable.
On the time of writing, the developer’s web site states that the group is “exhausting at work on each Skullgirls Cell and a brand new, unique title”.
[source bsky.app, via eventhubs.com]
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Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 earlier than becoming a member of the location full-time the next 12 months, rising via the ranks to turn into Editor. He can presently be discovered squashed beneath a Change backlog the scale of Normandy.
