**Title: Ivy Road Studio Shuts Down Following Funding Challenges**
Ivy Road, the talented studio behind the debut game *Wanderstop*, has announced the unfortunate closure of its operations, effective March 31, 2026. The studio, formed by contributors from acclaimed titles like *The Stanley Parable*, *Gone Home*, and *Minecraft*, previously expressed hopes for a new project, *Engine Angel*. However, funding for this venture fell through, leading to layoffs and ultimately, the studio’s closure.
In a blog post, Ivy Road shared their gratitude for the team that worked on *Wanderstop*, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that defined their time together. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful we are to have been able to work together on Wanderstop – this is an incredible group of people!” they stated, highlighting both the joy and regret of closing this chapter.
Despite the studio’s shutdown, there may be a silver lining for *Wanderstop* fans. The publisher, Annapurna, has hinted at a “surprise brewing” that aims to introduce *Wanderstop* to new audiences. Although details remain scarce, the game will continue to be available for purchase on all platforms, providing ongoing access for players.
*Engine Angel*, which was poised to be a radical shift from *Wanderstop*, was characterized as a frenetic, action-packed experience—a blend of driving and combat reminiscent of *Devil May Cry*. The team expressed hope that *Engine Angel* could still come to fruition in the future, despite their current challenges.
As Ivy Road concludes its journey, many of its staff now face uncertain futures. A thread circulating within the gaming community lists those who are affected by the closure, encouraging support and solidarity among industry professionals.
In summary, while Ivy Road’s story comes to a close, the legacy of *Wanderstop* endures, and there remains hope for future projects from this talented team.
