After just six months, Mountaintop Studios has announced the closure of its tactical FPS game, Spectre Divide. The decision follows the disappointing performance of Season 1 and the console launch, which failed to meet the company's financial expectations. 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 Season 1 launch, "Flashpoint," did not generate the necessary success to sustain the game and studio. While the initial week saw promising numbers—over 400,000 players and a peak concurrent player count of 10,000—sustained player engagement and revenue proved insufficient for long-term operation.
As reported by The Verge in December 2024, Mountaintop Studios faced significant challenges. The console launch and Season 1 were considered a final attempt to revive the game's fortunes. Game Director Lee Horn attributed part of the failure to launch server issues which hampered initial momentum, despite marketing efforts. Mitchell acknowledged that the lack of Season 1 engagement signaled the need for a critical assessment of the game's future.
The game is expected to go offline within 30 days, with new purchases disabled and refunds issued for purchases made since the Season 1 relaunch. Further details on refunds will be announced soon.
Spectre Divide's Demise Despite $30 Million in Funding
The closure 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 angel investors. However, this substantial investment proved insufficient to ensure the game's long-term viability.
Mitchell explained that despite exploring all avenues—including seeking a publisher, additional investment, or acquisition—the studio was unable to secure the necessary resources. He attributed this to the current challenging climate within the games industry. He reflected on the ambition of the project, acknowledging the inherent risks in creating an innovative game in a competitive market.
Spectre Divide joins a growing list of live-service games that have faltered, including Multiversus, Babylon's Fall, and Concord, highlighting the inherent challenges of this business model.
Mountaintop Studios to Close This Week
Following the depletion of remaining capital, Mountaintop Studios will cease operations by the end of the week. The lack of sufficient funding to support Spectre Divide has necessitated the closure of the studio itself. Mitchell expressed his gratitude for the support received but acknowledged the ultimate inability to overcome the financial hurdles.
