It's a sad day in the industry as long time PC and console developer Vlambeer has decided to close its doors. The announcement comes on the same day that the studio celebrated 10 years since its original creation.
Vlambeer is responsible for some cult classics like Ridiculous Fishing, Luftrausers, and the ever-popular Nuclear Throne. Nuclear Throne's console launch on PS4 even led to then Sony President Shuhei Yoshida eating hot peppers celebrating the launch of the game back in 2014.
Nuclear Throne was part of Epic Games Store free games late last year where the game saw a bit of a resurgence with new and old fans alike. The roguelike was celebrated for its tight design, intense combat, and variety in characters that still holds up to today's standards. Played from a top-down perspective, the game would go on to release on PC, PS4, and Xbox One with a Nintendo Switch version also releasing.
2020 has not been kind to many industries. Covid-19 has had an adverse effect with many media companies struggling to develop films, games, and other media due to work-from-home mandates. Last month, streaming service DC Universe was hit with major layoffs as part of a company-wide restructuring at WarnerMedia. The layoffs at WarnerMedia affected the livelihoods of hundreds of now-former employees.
Despite the closure, Vlambeer is celebrating its legacy by release a never-finished prototype of the companies long developed game, FFFLOOD, where players can drop 10-ton cannons from orbit for evil corporate success.