**Midsummer Studios: A Brief Journey and Closure**
In May 2024, Midsummer Studios emerged with a bold promise to “revitalize the life sim genre.” Co-founded by Jake Solomon, a former developer from the famed XCOM series, the studio’s aspirations pointed toward innovative narrative experiences within the gaming realm. However, in a recent social media announcement, Solomon confirmed the studio’s closure while sharing a glimpse of their ambitious project, Burbank—a build-your-own-TV-series game integrating generative AI technologies.
Solomon expressed pride in the studio’s achievements, stating, “We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both.” Before shutting Midsummer’s doors, he shared pre-alpha footage of Burbank, illustrating the vision and effort invested into the project.
Initially, Midsummer Studios was introduced as a life sim deeply influenced by cultural icons such as Stephen King and *Gilmore Girls*. The vision included a character creation system and an evolving small-town environment, allowing players to explore narratives including romantic pursuits and diverse scenarios that would unfold over time.
The concept of Burbank suggests a continued evolution of these initial ideas, described by Solomon as combining “Life Sims + The Truman Show,” but with broader narrative ambitions. His vision emphasized storytelling, encouraging players to create and share their unique narratives and characters. The pre-alpha footage hinted at emotional connections and character depth, which Solomon deemed a significant breakthrough in gameplay.
A unique feature of Burbank was its use of AI for character memory, reasoning, and speech, aiming to empower players to craft personalized stories. However, Solomon clarified that while AI played a role in the game, artistic contributions from human developers remained paramount, as they were committed to enhancing rather than replacing creative talent.
Despite the innovative ideas and significant funding—$6 million sourced from various investors, including Krafton and Day Zero Productions—the studio faced challenges that led to its closure. As Midsummer Studios winds down, questions linger about the future of Burbank and the tech it harnessed, as well as insights into the reasons behind the studio’s shutdown.
With current staff listed at just 12, including Solomon, the closure marks the end of a promising chapter in gaming, leaving players and industry watchers to reflect on what could have been. The ambition to reshape life simulations continues to inspire, even as Midsummer Studios concludes its journey.
