Reports suggest the core team behind the Soulslike action-RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has been dissolved. This follows the reported dismissal of director Xia Siyuan before Chinese New Year.
The dissolution of the development team comes despite the game being described as a financial success. Sources indicate that after Siyuan's departure, the studio Leenzee proposed that remaining employees transition to an outsourcing role, a proposal the team reportedly rejected. This rejection is said to have led to dismissals and potential legal action.
Further complicating the situation are claims of unpaid salaries and financial difficulties within Leenzee, prompting concerns about the broader risks within the gaming industry.
Internal Strife and Departure
The conversation surrounding Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has shifted from its gameplay to behind-the-scenes turmoil. Reports, originating from Chinese sources and forums, allege that director Xia Siyuan is no longer with the company. Siyuan has since reportedly established a new studio, signaling an intent to continue in game development.
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The game, which launched last July, received a Metacritic score of 74 from critics and a 6.9 user score. Initial reception was marred by criticism regarding poor optimization and polish, despite subsequent updates attempting to address these issues. One particular patch, 1.5, altered the main story, drawing criticism for narrative inconsistencies.
Industry Context
The reported closure of Leenzee's development team mirrors a larger trend of layoffs and restructuring within the gaming sector. Similar situations have been observed at other studios, including Neople, known for the Soulslike title The First Berserker: Khazan. These events are viewed as indicators of the current instability facing game development companies.
