**The Potential Closure of Spiders: A Distressing Turn for the Developer**
In a disheartening update for the gaming community, French game developer Spiders may be facing closure shortly after the launch of their latest title, *Greedfall: The Dying World*. According to a report from French outlet Origami, the situation stems from ongoing financial difficulties experienced by their publisher, Nacon. After significant layoffs last year that drastically affected staff, the prospect of selling the studio has proven unsuccessful, leading to Nacon’s filing for insolvency.
Currently, Nacon is navigating an administrative procedure to place Spiders into judicial liquidation. Sources indicate that this procedural step is somewhat of a formality, but it spells trouble for the studio. Historically, approximately 67% of companies subjected to judicial reorganization face full liquidation. Nacon’s attempts to locate a buyer for Spiders before mid-April have unfortunately come and gone without success.
Established 19 years ago, Spiders has built a reputation for creating role-playing games, starting with the *Styx* series, and progressing through titles like *Of Orcs and Men*, *The Technomancer*, *Steelrising*, and the *Greedfall* series. *Greedfall: The Dying World*, which launched only recently in March and even received an update just before the latest news, has not generated sufficient traction to avert the studio’s financial troubles.
The French video game union, Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo, has placed significant blame on Nacon’s leadership for the potential demise of Spiders. In a statement, they criticized the publisher’s management practices, asserting that mismanagement has harmed studios that were otherwise thriving prior to Nacon’s acquisition. They highlighted deteriorating working conditions and the establishment of new studios with the intent to reduce headcount as factors complicating the situation.
As the gaming world watches the situation unfold, solidarity is extended to those affected by the impending closures and the challenges currently faced by the employees at Spiders. The potential loss of such a storied studio marks a significant moment in the gaming landscape, bringing to light the ongoing struggles within the industry.
