Skullgirls Dev Is Off The Sport, Taking Authorized Motion In opposition to Writer

Hidden Variable, the LA-based developer of Skullgirls Cell, has issued a press release revealing that the workforce is “now not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts” since twenty first January and has initiated authorized proceedings towards 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.

Official Hidden Variable Assertion Relating to Skullgirls Improvement

— Hidden Variable Studios (@hiddenvariable.com) 2025-03-06T06:17:47.621Z

Hidden Variable Assertion Relating to Skullgirls Improvement

As of January twenty first, 2025, Hidden Variable is now not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cell, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts attributable to 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 varieties, together with creating and supporting Skullgirls Cell, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the aggressive neighborhood by way of the Skullgirls Championship Collection, and serving to followers new and outdated fall in love with the IP by way of the Skullgirls Webtoon and numerous different partnerships.Most of all, we’re grateful to have been capable of have a good time and help the incomparable Skullgirls neighborhood – lots of whom we have been lucky to satisfy in individual through the years at numerous occasions.Thanks all for all the pieces – you deserve nothing however the very best.Hidden Variable Studios

The writer issued its personal assertion on Twitter, aligning itself with the fandom and trying to rally help whereas additionally asserting Guilds for Skullgirls coming “later this yr” and making no particular reference to the dispute:

An Replace on SkullgirlsTo the Skullgirls Neighborhood,Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the considerations surrounding latest bulletins.Skullgirls has all the time been greater than only a recreation – it is a ardour undertaking, 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 wish to let – with no uncertainty – that Autumn Video games is right here to develop our funding, help, and improvement of the Skullgirls franchise.For the previous 15 years, Autumn Video games has labored behind the scenes because the unwavering spine of Skullgirls, making certain its progress and investing to convey this world to life. We now have been right here from the beginning-through each problem, each triumph, and each main milestone. With the unbelievable work, creativity, and help of assorted 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.Nonetheless, it has turn into particularly clear that we collectively haven’t been delivering on our promise to you the followers; to convey new characters, tales, options, and recreation modes in the way in which you deserve. To be blunt, that’s the reason we’re making adjustments now.We aren’t an enormous company stepping in to take over; we’re recreation builders, storytellers, and passionate followers, identical to you.With that in thoughts, I wish to make one factor clear: Skullgirls is right here to remain, and we’re absolutely dedicated to constructing its future.We aren’t right here to easily keep 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 might come as no shock that we’ve got an limitless provide of concepts – we all know you as followers do too. We’re listening and we might be delivering on our guarantees.To that time, we’re excited to announce that we are going to be launching Guilds for Skullgirls this yr, an awfully lengthy promised function; which is now really in improvement since we’ve got taken over in the previous couple of months.Your suggestions, your ardour, and your help imply all the pieces 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 Staff

That is the newest in a protracted line of issues and controversies across the in style however troubled combating recreation, the cell 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 grew to become 2nd Encore).

In 2020, allegations towards lead designer Mike Zaimont’s conduct and a sequence of resignations led to Hidden Variable and the writer slicing 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 “arduous at work on each Skullgirls Cell and a brand new, authentic title”.