Hidden Variable, the LA-based developer of Skullgirls Cell, has issued a press release revealing that the group is “now not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts” since twenty first January and has initiated authorized proceedings towards writer Autumn Video games.
Posted to social media platforms (thanks, Occasion Hubs), the assertion says that the authorized papers have been filed in LA and the group will not be making additional remark “till this dispute is resolved”.
The papers present that the developer is claiming breach of contract associated to failure to make “required funds” totalling over $1.2 million.
Hidden Variable Assertion Relating to Skullgirls Improvement
As of January twenty first, 2025, Hidden Variable is now not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts attributable to a dispute with Autumn Video games which is now the topic of litigation filed within the Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom. In mild of that, we hope you perceive that – past this assertion – we is not going to be commenting additional till this dispute is resolved.
All of us at HVS are extremely happy with the ten+ years we have invested in Skullgirls in all its types, together with creating and supporting Skullgirls Cell, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the aggressive neighborhood through the Skullgirls Championship Collection, and serving to followers new and outdated fall in love with the IP via the Skullgirls Webtoon and numerous different partnerships.
Most of all, we’re grateful to have been capable of rejoice and help the incomparable Skullgirls neighborhood – lots of whom we have been lucky to satisfy in individual through the years at varied occasions.
Thanks all for the whole lot – you deserve nothing however the perfect.
Hidden Variable Studios
The writer issued its personal assertion on Twitter, aligning itself with the fandom and trying to rally help whereas additionally asserting Guilds for Skullgirls coming “later this 12 months” and making no particular reference to the dispute:
An Replace on Skullgirls
To the Skullgirls Group,
In the beginning, I need to acknowledge the issues surrounding current bulletins.
Skullgirls has all the time been greater than only a sport – it is a ardour challenge, a residing murals, and a world formed by the love of its creators and gamers alike. From the earliest days, it has been this partnership with you, the Skullgirls Group, that has made the Skullgirls Universe so particular. And with that, I need to let – with no uncertainty – that Autumn Video games is right here to develop our funding, help, and improvement of the Skullgirls franchise.
For the previous 15 years, Autumn Video games has labored behind the scenes because the unwavering spine of Skullgirls, guaranteeing its development and investing to carry this world to life. We’ve got been right here from the beginning-through each problem, each triumph, and each main milestone. With the unimaginable work, creativity, and help of varied groups: from Reverge Labs to Lab Zero, Future Membership, and Hidden Variable Studios; the Skullgirls Universe has developed in extraordinary methods regardless of important challenges.
Nevertheless, it has turn out to be particularly clear that we collectively haven’t been delivering on our promise to you the followers; to carry new characters, tales, options, and sport modes in the best way you deserve. To be blunt, that’s the reason we’re making modifications now.
We’re not a large company stepping in to take over; we’re sport builders, storytellers, and passionate followers, similar to you.
With that in thoughts, I need to make one factor clear: Skullgirls is right here to remain, and we’re absolutely dedicated to constructing its future.
We’re not right here to easily preserve Skullgirls – we’re stepping in to reinvest in it, to increase the tales and gameplay, and to proceed to construct upon the Skullgirls Universe that all of us love.
It could come as no shock that we have now an countless provide of concepts – we all know you as followers do too. We’re listening and we might be delivering on our guarantees.
To that time, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be launching Guilds for Skullgirls this 12 months, an awfully lengthy promised function; which is now truly in improvement since we have now taken over in the previous couple of months.
Your suggestions, your ardour, and your help imply the whole lot to us. Thanks for being a part of this unimaginable journey – we won’t wait to take Skullgirls into this new chapter collectively.
Come be a part of the dialogue on the Skullgirls Discord and keep tuned for updates quickly.
Jason and the Autumn Video games Workforce
That is the newest in a protracted line of issues and controversies across the common however troubled combating sport, the cell model of which was developed solely by Hidden Variable.
Remnants of the unique developer Reverge Labs reformed as Lab Zero Video games following layoffs in 2012, and a falling out with Konami led to the Encore version of the sport (which grew to become 2nd Encore).
In 2020, allegations towards lead designer Mike Zaimont’s conduct and a collection of resignations led to Hidden Variable and the writer reducing ties with Lab Zero utterly, after which Zaimont fired all remaining workers. Former members of the Lab Zero group then fashioned Future Membership to proceed work on the sport together with Hidden Variable.
On the time of writing, the developer’s web site states that the group is “laborious at work on each Skullgirls Cell and a brand new, unique title”.
