Hidden Variable, the LA-based developer of Skullgirls Cellular, has issued a press release revealing that the workforce is “now not concerned within the growth of Skullgirls Cellular, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts” since twenty first January and has initiated authorized proceedings in opposition to 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 workforce 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 Concerning Skullgirls Growth
As of January twenty first, 2025, Hidden Variable is now not concerned within the growth of Skullgirls Cellular, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts on account of 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 kinds, together with creating and supporting Skullgirls Cellular, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the aggressive group by way of the Skullgirls Championship Sequence, and serving to followers new and outdated fall in love with the IP by the Skullgirls Webtoon and numerous different partnerships.
Most of all, we’re grateful to have been in a position to have a good time and assist the incomparable Skullgirls group – a lot of whom we have been lucky to fulfill in individual over time at numerous occasions.
Thanks all for all the things – 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 assist whereas additionally saying Guilds for Skullgirls coming “later this yr” and making no particular reference to the dispute:
An Replace on Skullgirls
To the Skullgirls Neighborhood,
Before everything, I need to acknowledge the issues surrounding current bulletins.
Skullgirls has at all times been greater than only a sport – it is a ardour mission, 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 Neighborhood, 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, assist, and growth 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 been right here from the beginning-through each problem, each triumph, and each main milestone. With the unbelievable work, creativity, and assist of varied groups: from Reverge Labs to Lab Zero, Future Membership, and Hidden Variable Studios; the Skullgirls Universe has advanced in extraordinary methods regardless of important challenges.
Nevertheless, it has grow 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, identical to you.
With that in thoughts, I need to make one factor clear: Skullgirls is right here to remain, and we’re totally dedicated to constructing its future.
We’re not right here to easily preserve Skullgirls – we’re stepping in to reinvest in it, to develop 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 now have an infinite provide of concepts – we all know you as followers do too. We’re listening and we will likely be delivering on our guarantees.
To that time, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be launching Guilds for Skullgirls this yr, an awfully lengthy promised characteristic; which is now truly in growth since we now have taken over in the previous few months.
Your suggestions, your ardour, and your assist imply all the things to us. Thanks for being a part of this unbelievable 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 Group
That is the newest in an extended line of problems and controversies across the well-liked however troubled preventing sport, the cellular 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 turned 2nd Encore).
In 2020, allegations in opposition to lead designer Mike Zaimont’s conduct and a sequence of resignations led to Hidden Variable and the writer reducing ties with Lab Zero utterly, after which Zaimont fired all remaining employees. Former members of the Lab Zero workforce 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 workforce is “exhausting at work on each Skullgirls Cellular and a brand new, unique title”.
