Quantic Dream is calling it quits on Spellcasters Chronicles, the free-to-play multiplayer fantasy MOBA it launched on Steam just this year. The Detroit: Become Human studio said it’s ceasing development after the game failed to find an audience, but promised the changes won’t impact its upcoming project Star Wars Eclipse.
“With this project, our teams set out to explore new creative territories and create a bold, original multiplayer experience,” the French studio announced on X. “Spellcasters Chronicles allowed us to experiment with new concepts and bring to life an ambitious game shaped by the talent, creativity, and dedication of everyone involved.”
It continued, “However, in today’s particularly challenging market environment, the game has not reached the audience needed to ensure its long-term sustainability. We have therefore made the difficult decision to refocus our efforts on our other projects.”
Quantic Dream confirmed a “reorganization” will result from the decision to abandon the game, suggesting the studio will face layoffs. It added that these cuts would not impact the ongoing development of Star Wars Eclipse, a game first teased years ago and which seems slated to potentially be a PlayStation 6 release at this rate.
“This new title may surprise our fans as it is very different from what we have done so far,” Quantic Dream director David Cage wrote last October when Spellcasters Chronicles was first announced. “But taking risks, challenging ourselves, exploring new ways of playing and telling stories, and attempting what seems impossible, has always been part of our DNA.”
He continued, “We also know how demanding it is to create something new. Earning the trust of players, standing out in such a competitive space, and introducing fresh concepts is incredibly challenging. And since we have no legacy in this genre, we know we have everything to prove — which is why your support and feedback will be essential. Together, we believe we can create something truly unique.”
The game’s Early Access launch on Steam last February garnered minimal attention and mostly mixed reviews from players, many of whom complained about bugs. “Games over a decade older than this have looked identical visually and have mechanics equally or more complex and run a thousand times better than this,” one wrote. Another was more positive. “It’s a great concept of a combination of RTS and MOBA wrapped into a deck building playstyle,” they wrote. “I truly hope this game gains more following and allows for it to continue to grow.”
Spellcasters Chronicles‘s servers will shut down on June 19 and all of the game’s players will receive full refunds.
