Merge Games Closes Doors After 15 Years: A Tribute to Indie Gaming
UK-based publisher Merge Games announces its closure after 15 years, leaving a lasting impact on the indie gaming community. Explore the legacy and future of its titles under Maximum Entertainment.
Of course, UK-based publisher Merge Games was key in the dissemination of beloved titles such as Dead Cells, Smalland: Survive the Wilds, and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, but for many, the time to say goodbye is here, as the indie games mammoth Merge Games closes its 15-year-old business, announced this morning on X (Twitter).
Story of a Journey Ends
The official statement from Merge Games is full of pride and gratitude:
"Hello! After 15 years, Merge Games is closing down. Starting from a tiny, cramped attic and growing to a tight, multi-disciplined 22-person team, we've brought hundreds of indie gems to storefronts around the world and loved every moment of it!"
But humble beginnings can give birth to great legacies, just as in this company's case, an incredible range of indie games and a small team of players has been instrumental in helping bring some of the most renowned indie games of all time to a broader audience. The fervour among gamers and devotion to independent developers made Merge Games a name loved and cared for within the community.
This, however, does not necessarily mean that those former titles will be put to rest. The parent company in charge of them is Maximum Entertainment, who will now have their hands on any titles Merge Games had planned for release. Among these are the long-awaited Spirit of the North 2, which many fans await to see done.
The Indie Gaming Community Reacts
It is closing up, but fans, developers, and industry pros already breathe fire at this merger. This time the mood seems to be at a heightened emotional perception as people are so thankful to Merge Games for their dedication toward indie games.
"Awful news. Thanks for all the wicked games" tweeted fan @ayershole, echoing general disappointment. Merge Games kindly responded, "And thank YOU for helping make a few of them!"
Developer Dear Villagers, in collaboration with Merge Games, said regretfully, "Thanks for all the great work! It's so much a pleasure to have worked with you!"
As more people chimed in with messages of gratitude and reflection, passion for the gaming community was palpable. Other fans like @Tyler_Jaymz lamented, "No, this is terrible news! I have so many of your games, and the gaming landscape will have a huge hole in it without you."
What's Next ?
Despite this winding down, it seems that Merge Games is leaving a very strong legacy which will be carried on long into the future of independent games. It is good news also to know that some of the titles still in development, promised for release, such as Spirit of the North 2, will fall into the arms of Maximum Entertainment.
For many, the news has also sparked concerns regarding the future of indie game publishing. Merge Games was one of the most important ways to get smaller titles into the hands of gamers-an important route of actualization for indie developers. With one less publisher, probably now the path to indie games becomes a bit steeper.
And thus, just before Merge Games closes its doors for good, it takes off with one simple word: thanks. "Thank you for many years of gaming!" it says in their final farewell message, emphasising passion which, indeed, has driven them through almost two decades. The company will not, of course, itself remain, but its influence over the indie gaming scene may last for a while.
Even as one chapter may be closing, the stories that Merge Games helped tell will continue to thrive in the hands of players and developers alike.
