Spectre Divide, the FPS Shroud Supported, Shuts Down After 6 Months Since Launch

Mountaintop Studios has announced the shutdown of its tactical FPS title, Spectre Divide, just six months after its launch. The decision follows the disappointing performance of Season 1 and the console launch, which failed to meet the company's financial expectations.

Spectre Divide to Go Offline in 30 Days

The news, delivered via Spectre Divide's official Twitter (X) account on March 13th, cites insufficient player engagement and revenue as the primary reasons for the closure. Mountaintop Studios CEO, Nate Mitchell, explained that despite an initial surge of over 400,000 players and a peak concurrent player count of 10,000 across all platforms, sustained player numbers and revenue weren't sufficient to keep the game and studio operational. Mitchell highlighted the challenges faced following the Season 1 launch, stating that the results fell short of what was needed for continued success. Lee Horn, Spectre Divide's Game Director, attributed some of the initial struggles to server issues impacting the launch momentum, despite marketing efforts. Mitchell further emphasized that the lack of engagement with Season 1 forced a difficult decision regarding the game's future.

The studio plans to take Spectre Divide offline within 30 days and will disable new purchases, offering refunds for all in-game purchases made since the Season 1 relaunch. Further details on this process will be announced shortly.

$30 Million Funding Wasn't Enough

The closure comes as a surprise considering Mountaintop Studios secured $30 million in funding last year from prominent investors including Anthos Capital, RX3 Growth Partners, A16Z GAMES, and several angel investors. However, Mitchell explained that even this substantial investment proved insufficient to overcome the game's underperformance. He acknowledged the challenging current market conditions and the difficulties in achieving success in the crowded FPS genre. Despite exploring options such as securing a publisher, additional investment, or acquisition, the studio ultimately ran out of funding.

Mitchell reflected on the ambition behind Spectre Divide, stating the team aimed to create an innovative and original experience within a competitive market. He acknowledged the inherent risks involved but emphasized their commitment to delivering a unique game.

Spectre Divide joins a growing list of live-service games that have faced similar challenges, highlighting the inherent risks and difficulties within this business model.

Mountaintop Studios to Close This Week

Following the shutdown of Spectre Divide, Mountaintop Studios will cease operations by the end of the week. Mitchell stated that the remaining capital has been exhausted, leaving the studio with no option but to close its doors.