Hardball Games, founded by industry veteran Jason Avent, is closing down a little more than three years after its launch. Avent, previously the managing director at CSR Racing developer Boss Alien, launched the studio with fellow veterans Chris Bowles and Julian Adams.
In early 2023, Hardball Games secured £4.3 million ($5.2 million) in seed funding, led by Griffin Gaming Partners and supported by Playdemic founders Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby. The studio channelled its efforts into developing OutRage: Fight Fest, a 16-player beat-’em-up party brawler that debuted on Steam in 2024.
In a candid LinkedIn post, Avent explained the challenges that led to the studio’s closure. Initially planned as a free-to-play title across multiple platforms, the team was forced to scale back due to a sudden lack of funding. “In 2023, the market froze and funding completely dried up,” Avent said. This financial strain pushed the studio to pivot to a paid PC-only release.
Despite positive feedback, OutRage: Fight Fest struggled to stand out. Avent cited intense competition, changing player habits, and an oversaturated market. “There are probably 30 to 40 huge, evergreen games that hoover up people’s play time,” he noted, adding that players now also spend more time on TV and short-form videos.
Avent reflected on the volatile state of the industry, especially for small studios. “I’ve been in game development for 30 years, and it’s never been as challenging as it is today,” he said. While disheartened by the closure, Avent remains optimistic about the future of gaming, calling the experience a valuable learning moment.
