Nerial, the studio behind indie hits Reigns and Card Shark, has shut down following discussions with parent company Devolver Digital. The closure, described as "entering hibernation mode," results in the entire team seeking new opportunities.
Nerial's founders have indicated they plan to return to their roots, though specifics about future projects remain unclear. The shutdown affects all staff members at the studio. Devolver Digital, which owned Nerial, approved the decision to wind down operations.
Reigns, a swipe-based political simulation game, and Card Shark, a card game focused on deception and strategy, represent Nerial's most recognized titles. Both games earned critical acclaim within the indie gaming community. The studio's closure marks the end of active development under the Nerial banner.
The timing and financial circumstances surrounding the shutdown remain undisclosed. Devolver Digital has not provided additional context beyond the studio's announcement regarding the decision or whether it reflects broader industry conditions affecting the publisher's portfolio.
No timeline for the shutdown has been publicly announced, nor have the founders specified what "returning to our roots" entails or whether it involves new game development.