Developer Keoken, makers of Deliver Us Mars and Deliver Us the Moon have fired their entire staff today
In a tweet they stated:
“Heartbroken, we’ve had to lay off our team at KeokeN because of nothing substantial materializing directly after our visit to GDC. We’ve unfortunately exhausted all our possible options for publishing, work for hire, and co-development. It is our utmost priority to make sure our lovely team finds a new home somewhere else, so if you have any positions available in Programming, Tech Art, Porting, Level Design, Audio, Animation, Production, Office Management, contact us, so that we can introduce you to the very best people who have been at the heart of KeokeN over the past 10 years.
Paul and I are heavily beat, but far from beaten. It’s our personal mission to rebuild KeokeN brick by brick like we’ve done before, in the name of our people and to continue the legacy of our games. It has become abundantly clear that what is most important to us and our team is you, our community. You play our games, you make our games shine, you make us feel special as you believe in us. You have showed up consistently in both the good and the bad times, from our debut Kickstarter in the past to our recent video asking for help. Because of you, we’ve reached millions of people.
We have always needed you and continue to do so. Personally, we are preparing a Kickstarter soon for our much-anticipated Deliver Us Home. This is one small step for KeokeN, one giant leap for Delivering Us Home. A game we will build for you and with you. – Koen Deetman (CEO), Paul Deetman (Managing Director)”
Did you play either of their games? Let us know in the comments below.
This always sucks to hear, having to fire people because they couldn’t find a partner to help publish a game though. Really brings to light the whole, less money being thrown around the industry.
As for the game, I think it’s a puzzle game and not something I generally play.
Bummer, these games were fun
that sucks
Deliver Us the Moon was rather good. Still have not bought Deliver us Mars, seems like I’m part of the problem.
Jesus! Man, that sucks, big time.
Really enjoyed Deliver us the Moon. Was the perfect game for me to get me in the mood for Starfield. Even if the wait back then still felt like an eternity, lmao.
Yeah, that sucks. Deliver Us Mars was great, but it was still a budget game. They had amibitions though and it showed. They were passionate people.
Damn I loved Deliver Us the Moon and Deliver Us Mars - I’ll contribute to the Kickstarter for Deliver Us Home when they do it, as I’d love for the story to be completed and hopefully it’d mean they can bring back some of their staff…
Really sad for everyone who’s been laid off
I really wish Xbox would reach out to these guys and offer to publish their next game. They’re a talented indie studio who deserve support, and it would also be a great look for them to be seen helping them.
Unfortunately I haven’t heard of the developer or their games but I just had a a look at Deliver Us Mars and looks great! Shame.