Humanoid Origin, the Canadian studio founded by Casey Hudson, has officially shut down. Known for his legendary work on the Mass Effect trilogy and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Hudson’s ambitious plans for a new sci-fi universe have come to an untimely end due to a lack of funding.
What led to the closure?
Humanoid Origin, previously known as Humanoid Studios, was set to develop a groundbreaking multiplatform sci-fi adventure. With Casey Hudson at the helm, expectations were sky-high for a game that could rival his past successes.
However, the studio faced unexpected financial struggles. In a heartfelt statement shared on LinkedIn, Hudson explained:
“We’re heartbroken that we will not be able to bring our new science-fiction universe to completion. Our main concern at this time, however, is for our team, and we are committed to supporting them in their transition to new employment.”
Despite their efforts to shield the team from the industry’s broader challenges, the funding shortfall proved insurmountable.
What was the studio working on?
While the project’s details remain a mystery, fans were eager to see what the minds behind Mass Effect could create next. The Humanoid Origin Studio’s mission was clear: to deliver “magical interactive storytelling” by empowering talented creators in a supportive environment.
With offices in Edmonton, Alberta, and Kelowna, British Columbia, the team made significant progress. But without the necessary funding, the dream of this new universe has been left unfinished.
What’s next for the team?
Though Humanoid Origin has shut down, Casey Hudson is focused on helping his team move forward. Many of the studio’s skilled developers are likely to find roles elsewhere in the gaming industry, bringing their creativity and expertise to new projects.
A glimmer of hope for sci-fi fans
If you’re disappointed by the closure of Humanoid Origin, there’s still exciting news on the horizon. Archetype Entertainment, founded by James Ohlen and Drew Karpyshyn—former BioWare heavyweights—is working on Exodus.
Exodus promises to deliver the same rich storytelling and immersive gameplay that fans of Mass Effect love. The game will introduce time-dilation mechanics, where your choices will shape the consequences in unpredictable and impactful ways.
The legacy of Casey Hudson
While this chapter has ended, Casey Hudson’s legacy remains. His groundbreaking work on Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic forever changed how we view storytelling in games. The gaming community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on what Hudson does next.
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