Darrell Louder, creative director at Greater Than Games, posted this on Facebook:
I’m not sure if they are the first big name publisher (Sentinels of the Multiverse, Spirit Island, Compile) to fall to the tariffs, but sadly I doubt that they’ll be the last.
I know several of us on here are fans of one or more of their games. Wishing all the best for the team in the future.
Ouch. They had a lot of money cushion after Spirit Island, which was why they brought out Sentinels DE.
Selfishly hoping the Disparations expansion box still happens. Don’t know how far it had got. It might end up rotting on a dock in China.
This is separate from the people who folded because CMON owes them loads of money or something?
I hadn’t heard of that. Searching the Internet tells me that was Final Frontier Games, so unrelated.
Sounds like a depressing place
I was looking forward to compile main 2. Sad times.
Yeah think they done merchants cove and Robin Hood and his merry men.
Correct. CMON didnt pay them for the Chinese editions they ordered.
Any US publisher is at risk now
FWIW
Not quite as total as it initially sounded maybe? Still leaves a lot up in the air.
I imagine that cushion has diminished some with the delays on Disparition and such, but also this was a decision by their corporate overlords, not the company’s finances running out.
CMONs role in that game company going under is overstated. Reading that company’s whole self written story and its possible to see they were basically done since about covid and they kept picking the option that cost them thousands in exchange for “goodwill”.
There are apparently three people who weren’t fired. That’s pretty final, no?
I’m pretty sure this is close to the average size for the majority of game publishers.
Yeah, they made a bad move 5 turns years ago and are just now feeling the full repercussions.
Sad, for the company and the employees. I had about $100 tied up in the Merchants Cove expansion Kickstarter (where the product is literally at the distribution warehouse but hasn’t been sent). And yes, I’m getting Holy Grail / Rallyman Dirt vibes from the whole thing.
I believe those were the founders and the designers of Sentinels so not necessarily. I mean, let’s face it, it probably is, but there being even a few token people left does at least mean maybe some of the crowdfunding gets fulfilled?
On the basis of that official statement, I suspect Disparation Backerkit purchasers will have the option of paying extra fees or losing what we’ve already pledged.
I received this email today:
Hello everyone,
I’m writing today under circumstances I never anticipated. As many of you may have already heard, Greater Than Games has undergone a significant reduction in staff due to the ongoing international tariff crisis. As of April 17th, our team has been reduced to just Paul, Adam, and myself.
This decision was made by our parent company, Flat River Group, in response to the severe economic pressures resulting from the international tariff crisis. As a result, all projects, including the Disparation expansion, have been put on hiatus until the current economic situation becomes more clear. The production of Disparation, which was in the process of being printed, has been halted at the printer. At this time, we lack detailed information about the current status of the expansion. We are committed to keeping you informed in future updates as much as possible.
Despite these challenges, Paul, Adam, and I remain absolutely committed to delivering Disparation to all of you. However, our current ability to act is severely limited. We will continue to provide monthly updates, as long as we are able, and we fully intend to resume work on this campaign when circumstances allow.
We are deeply sorry that this is happening and that you had to find out this way. We share in your disappointment and frustration. The staff of Greater Than Games were some of the most talented and dedicated individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the last decade and a half. While many of them are already moving on to new opportunities, their sudden departure has left us devastated. Many of the projects we had in motion have come to an abrupt halt. Please know that Paul, Adam, and I are doing everything we can to pick up the pieces and find a way to deliver on our commitments to you.
Thank you for your patience and continued support.
-Christopher
