Another notable independent studio ends its story neither with bankruptcy nor with a high-profile conflict.Nerial, the creators of Reigns and Card Shark, is going into hibernation mode: after 13 years and 11 games released, the team is ceasing development.
From one swipe mechanic to your own series
Nerial appeared in 2013 and became widely known thanks to Reigns, a game that turned the decisions of the ruler into simple swipes left and right.The idea grew into a series, and the studio simultaneously experimented with other formats, including Card Shark.
In 2021, Nerial acquired Devolver Digital.In a joint statement, founders Francois and Tamara Alliot said that the decision to complete development was made together with partners from Devolver.
Founders Don't Quit Gaming
The closure of Nerial does not mean that its creators are leaving the industry.The wording about “hibernation” leaves room for future projects, although the studio itself is ceasing development in its previous form.
Recent years have remained challenging for small and medium-sized teams, but Nerial's story stands out for its length: 13 years, 11 releases, and a series that showed that a mobile dating app interface could be turned into a recognizable game mechanic.
Context on the topic complements our material on this week's main releases.
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