**The Rise and Fall of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Its Developers’ Journey Forward**
The gaming industry is often fraught with anticipation and excitement, but sometimes the outcome can be disheartening. A glaring example of this is *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*, a game marred by public disappointment and critical backlash. Co-directors Axel Rydby and Johnny Armstrong have opened up about their experiences during this tumultuous period, reflecting on how it nearly turned them away from game development altogether.
Upon joining Rocksteady in 2018, Rydby was optimistic about *Suicide Squad*. Despite it being a live service game— a stark departure from Rocksteady’s previous titles— the team had ambitions to create a game that was generous to players, allowing them to enjoy it without feeling pressured to make excessive purchases. However, as development progressed, frequent delays and mounting pressure to create a replayable experience led to a shift in focus. Rydby recounted a profound sense of disconnect during this time, stating, “I was following a spreadsheet, some elusive marketing-analysis spreadsheet that no one could present clearly.” He realized that the creative joy he had once associated with game development was slipping away.
Following its launch, *Suicide Squad* was met with unfavorable reviews and disappointing sales, leaving Rydby and Armstrong grappling with doubts about their passion for the industry. Armstrong spoke candidly about feeling drained after Warner Bros. decided to pull the plug on the game, expressing, “I felt everything drained from me. I said, ‘I can’t do this again… I could feel myself coming apart at the seams.'”
However, the story did not end in despair. Months after departing Rocksteady, Rydby and Armstrong reconnected and channeled their experiences into a new project. The result is *Secret of Circadia*, a unique blend of city-building, deckbuilding, and roguelite mechanics, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and environmental resurgence. The duo has launched a Kickstarter campaign to garner support for their latest venture, inviting backers to contribute to a project steeped in their newfound vision and resilience.
For those looking to support developers who have faced the challenges of the industry, *Secret of Circadia* represents not just a game, but a second chance to reshape their narratives and rekindle their passion for game creation.
