Spectre Divide FPS Server Shuts Down After Six Months

After just six months, Mountaintop Studios has announced the closure of its tactical FPS game, Spectre Divide. The decision comes after the game failed to meet the company's financial expectations, despite initial optimism. This article details the CEO's statement and the reasons behind the shutdown.

Spectre Divide to Go Offline in 30 Days

Season 1 and Console Launch Fall Short of Expectations

Mountaintop Studios CEO, Nate Mitchell, revealed that the recently launched Season 1: Flashpoint, along with the console release, didn't achieve the necessary success to sustain the game and the studio. While the game initially saw over 400,000 players and a peak concurrent player count of 10,000 across platforms, sustained player engagement and revenue proved insufficient to cover ongoing operational costs. Mitchell expressed gratitude for the positive feedback received from players during this short period.

Earlier reports from The Verge (December 2024) highlighted Mountaintop Studios' precarious financial position, indicating that the Season 1 launch and console release were crucial for the game's survival. Game Director Lee Horn attributed some of the shortfall to server issues impacting the launch momentum, despite marketing efforts. Mitchell acknowledged the risk, stating that the success of Season 1 was pivotal in determining the game's future. The company plans to shut down Spectre Divide within 30 days, ceasing new purchases and issuing refunds for purchases made since the Season 1 relaunch. Further details on the refund process are promised soon.

$30 Million in Funding Proves Insufficient

The closure announcement is particularly surprising given that Mountaintop Studios secured $30 million in funding last year from prominent investors including Anthos Capital, RX3 Growth Partners, A16Z GAMES, and several angel investors. Despite this significant investment, the company was unable to achieve profitability. Mitchell explained that exploring all options, including seeking a publisher, additional investment, or acquisition, ultimately proved unsuccessful. He attributed the situation to the challenging current climate within the gaming industry. He reflected on the team's ambition to create an innovative and original experience in a competitive market, highlighting the inherent risks involved in such an endeavor.

Spectre Divide joins a growing list of live-service games that have faced similar challenges, including Multiversus, Babylon’s Fall, and Concord, alongside cancelled projects like The Last of Us Online and a reportedly planned God of War live-service title.

Mountaintop Studios to Close This Week

Due to depleted funding following the PC launch, Mitchell announced that Mountaintop Studios will cease operations by the end of the week. Despite efforts to extend their remaining capital, the studio lacks the resources to continue.