'We Have Reached The Breaking Point': Deceive Inc Studio Sweet Bandit Announces Studio Closure

Less than two years after the official launch of Deceive Inc, its development studio Sweet Bandit announced that it’s shutting down via a forum post on the site of Tripwire Interactive, its publisher. 

“After a long and difficult road of trying to get Deceive inc. in a state where it could thrive, we have reached the breaking point for the studio, unable to continue this adventure with you.” explained lead designer “Baribandit.”

Deceive Inc. is a mixed-genre action game where players took up the roles of a variety of types of spies, using unique abilities in a multiplayer setting to individually complete a common objective by any means necessary. The unique roster allows players to try multiple playstyles that suit them (or the objective). 

Sweet Bandits says they are “considering options” for players who hope to enjoy the game in the long run, though at the moment the game and servers will continue as they are. No other plans are announced at the moment.

“To close things off, I want to thank you all personally, not as Sweet Bandits, but as myself,” concluded Baribandit. “I am so grateful for everything this community has done and I am deeply saddened that this is how it ends. Please keep the flame going, make Deceive Inc. yours, continue to share your art and stories. This is your universe now and forever.” 

Even before the end of this calendar year and in the thick of a turbulent economy, the games industry has seen over 14,000 layoffs, per one ongoing estimate, already blowing past 2023's 10,000 estimated layoffs by 4,000.