Skullgirls Developer Ceases Development and Files Lawsuit Against Publisher Amid Payment Dispute

In a dramatic turn of events, Hidden Variable Studios (HVS), the developer behind the popular mobile spinoff Skullgirls Mobile, has announced the cessation of all development on Skullgirls projects and filed a lawsuit against publisher Autumn Games. The legal action stems from allegations of unpaid dues and breach of contract, marking a significant rift between the two parties and casting uncertainty over the future of the beloved fighting game franchise.

A Legacy of Innovation and Success

The Skullgirls franchise has been a standout in the fighting game community since its debut in 2012. Originally developed by Reverge Labs and published by Autumn Games, the 2D tag-team-based fighting game was heavily inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. Its unique art style, deep combat mechanics, and flexible team-building options—allowing players to control one to three characters—earned it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. The game’s success led to an updated version, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, which launched in 2015 for PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades, further solidifying its place in the genre.

In 2020, Hidden Variable Studios took the franchise to mobile platforms with Skullgirls Mobile, a spinoff that expanded the game’s reach and introduced new players to its vibrant world. Over the past five years, HVS has not only maintained and updated Skullgirls Mobile but also contributed to Skullgirls 2nd Encore by assisting with ports to additional platforms and ongoing content releases. The studio has even played a role in expanding the Skullgirls universe through its involvement in the IP’s webtoon.

The Dispute: Allegations of Unpaid Dues

On March 5, 2024, Hidden Variable Studios released a public statement revealing that it had ceased all work on Skullgirls projects and filed a lawsuit against Autumn Games in the Los Angeles Superior Court. According to court documents obtained by Games Industry.biz, HVS is suing the publisher for breach of contract, failure to pay for goods and services rendered, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The developer alleges that Autumn Games owes $1,227,308.98 in unpaid payments, spanning from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, with additional anticipated unpaid dues through March 15.

HVS claims it gave Autumn Games until January 21 to settle the debt, but the publisher failed to meet this deadline. As a result, Hidden Variable Studios handed over the necessary login information for Skullgirls Mobile to ensure continued community support while stepping away from the project. In its announcement, HVS expressed gratitude to the Skullgirls community and pride in its contributions to the franchise over the past decade.

Autumn Games Responds: A Promise to Continue Support

In response to the lawsuit and the cessation of HVS’s involvement, Autumn Games CEO and co-founder Jason Donnell released a statement on Twitter to reassure fans. Donnell emphasized that support for Skullgirls would continue uninterrupted, with Autumn Games taking over development responsibilities. The publisher, which also operates as a game developer, revealed that it had assumed control of the project several months prior and has been actively working on new features, including the introduction of guilds, which are slated to launch later this year.

Donnell’s statement aimed to quell concerns about the franchise’s future, promising to expand the Skullgirls universe with new stories and gameplay experiences. However, the announcement did not address the specific allegations made by Hidden Variable Studios, leaving questions unanswered about the financial dispute.

Community Reactions: Mixed Feelings and Cautious Optimism

The news has sparked a range of reactions from the Skullgirls community. While some fans expressed disappointment over the departure of Hidden Variable Studios, others seemed optimistic about Autumn Games taking the reins. Comments on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit revealed a divide, with some players praising HVS’s contributions and others welcoming the potential for fresh ideas under Autumn Games.

One Reddit user commented, “HVS did an amazing job with Skullgirls Mobile, but I’m curious to see what Autumn Games can bring to the table. Hopefully, this means more content and updates.” Others, however, voiced concerns about the potential impact of the legal dispute on the franchise’s future, with one fan tweeting, “This lawsuit is worrying. I just hope it doesn’t affect the quality of the games moving forward.”

The Original Developer’s Silence

Notably absent from the conversation is Reverge Labs, the original developer of Skullgirls. After the studio’s dissolution, several members went on to form Future Club, an indie company that has provided support to various development studios, including Hidden Variable Studios and Autumn Games on Skullgirls 2nd Encore. As of now, Future Club has not publicly commented on the lawsuit or its implications for the franchise.

What’s Next for Skullgirls?

The lawsuit between Hidden Variable Studios and Autumn Games raises significant questions about the future of the Skullgirls franchise. While Autumn Games has pledged to continue development and expand the series, the legal battle could potentially delay new content or create uncertainty around the IP’s direction. Fans are left hoping that the dispute will be resolved amicably and that the franchise will continue to thrive.

For now, the Skullgirls community remains cautiously optimistic, holding onto the hope that the games they love will continue to evolve and grow. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on Autumn Games to see how it navigates this challenging chapter and whether it can deliver on its promises to keep the Skullgirls legacy alive.

One thing is certain: the passion of the Skullgirls fanbase ensures that this iconic franchise will remain a topic of discussion for years to come, regardless of the outcome.