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Brisbane’s Hand Of Fate Developer Defiant Development Is Closing Down

A sad day for Australia’s dev scene

Brisbane-based studio Defiant Development, best known for its popular Hand of Fate series, has today announced that it is shutting its doors after nine years of operation. Meaning that the studio will cease development on projects they had in the works (see below). The studio will remain ‘in caretaker mode’ to continue supporting existing titles.

It’s a massive blow to the local video game development industry, with a number of highly-talented developers now looking for work.

Defiant Development founder Morgan Jaffit revealed on social media that the studio had not been able to adapt quick enough to a changing video game market.

You read the full statement below:

It is with sadness that we announce Defiant is ceasing Development.

First and foremost, that means that our incredibly talented team are looking for new roles. Every one of them is a champion in their field. If you can hire them, you should.

When we started this studio, we did so with a clear goal in mind. To hire great people, to create great games and to do that in an ethical manner with respect for our team and our audience.

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In 2010, Australia desperately needed studios to demonstrate that it was possible to have substantial, Australian owned, IP generating homes for talent. That there could be a studio model in Australia that would thrive without being dependant on international ownership. That Australian studios could make console games again. Nine years later, there is no question that is true, and there are many Australian studios old and new demonstrating that Australian game development is truly world class.

The Defiant model has always focused on creating games nobody else would. Games that reflected the skills and passions of our team. Games that did something new. Our process has always been focused on iteration and exploration. We go into dark places, searching for hidden treasures. We set out without knowing where the journey will take us, and we do so knowing that the unknown is not always safe.

That is a risky way to make games, and we knew that. When it succeeds it delivers things you could never have considered possible. When it fails, it leaves you without a safety net.

The games market has changed in ways both big and small in the 9 years we’ve been in business. We have not been able to change quickly enough to continue with them.

To everyone who has supported us on this journey, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To everyone who’s ever worked with Defiant, thank you so much for sharing your work and yourselves.

Studios rise and studios fall, but people are always more important – to the people of Defiant, staff, friends, families, and partners, thank you. May your futures shine bright, and may you change the world for the better.

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To sign off, the studio gave fans a glimpse into a project they were working on – a project called A World In My. You can take a look below:

We wish all those affected the best of luck in finding new gigs as soon as possible.

 

Written By Zach Jackson

Despite a childhood playing survival horrors, point and clicks and beat ’em ups, these days Zach tries to convince people that Homefront: The Revolution is a good game while pining for a sequel to The Order: 1886 and a live-action Treasure Planet film. Carlton, Burnley FC & SJ Sharks fan. Get around him on Twitter @tightinthejorts

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