Shipyard Games, a once-promising geolocation gaming company, has announced its closure with little fanfare and a sense of sadness. The company, known for its innovative approach to blending geolocation technology with gaming, had attracted investment from Supercell, a well-known Finnish mobile game developer. However, despite their efforts and the support of their loyal fan base, Shipyard Games found themselves in a financial crisis that ultimately led to their demise.
In a heartfelt message posted on Discord on May 13th, 2024, Andreas Wedenberg, co-founder and CEO of Shipyard Games, expressed his gratitude to the fans and supporters who had been with them throughout their journey. He acknowledged the company’s struggles, stating that they had run out of money and their previous investor was no longer willing to support them. This unfortunate turn of events meant that Shipyard Games would be shutting down in two months, leaving their latest game, Wizards & Kingdoms GO, without further updates and eventually offline.
Wedenberg reflected on the company’s journey, highlighting their commitment to developing innovative geolocation games that pushed the boundaries of traditional gaming. Despite their best efforts, the financial constraints proved to be insurmountable, leading to the closure of the company. The team at Shipyard Games expressed their deep appreciation for the support, feedback, and enthusiasm shown by their community, acknowledging that they were unable to deliver the game that their fans deserved.
Shipyard Games‘ closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by startups in the gaming industry, where creativity and passion must often contend with financial realities. The company’s vision for a groundbreaking geolocation MMO and their dedication to exploring new gaming experiences will be remembered by those who followed their journey. While the closure of Shipyard Games may have gone unnoticed by many, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of dreams in the competitive world of game development.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and innovate, the legacy of Shipyard Games will live on in the hearts of their fans and the lessons learned from their journey. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring game developers, highlighting the importance of financial stability and strategic partnerships in realizing ambitious creative visions. While Shipyard Games may have slipped away quietly, their impact on the geolocation gaming landscape will not be forgotten.