Rollerdrome Dev Ask Fans To Pirate the Game

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Rollerdrome Dev Ask Fans To Pirate the Game

Highlights

  • One of Rollerdrome’s developers is asking fans to pirate the game, as none of the original developers are working on it anymore.
  • Rollerdrome, a roller skating shooting game, received positive reviews for its quick action gameplay and inventive ideas.
  • Take-Two Interactive reportedly shut down developer Roll7, adding to the massive layoffs the gaming industry has seen in 2024.

As a passionate gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the highs and lows of the gaming industry. The recent turn of events surrounding Rollerdrome has left me both saddened and somewhat amused.

A developer associated with the creation of ‘Rollerdrome’ has celebrated the game’s second anniversary in an unusual way – by encouraging fans to illegally download the action game. It should be noted that Roll7, the British game studio responsible for developing ‘Rollerdrome’, is reported to have been closed down by Take-Two Interactive earlier this year.

Initially debuting on PlayStation consoles in 2022, Rollerdrome later became accessible on Xbox Game Pass the following year. This unique game blends roller skating with shooting, earning it acclaim from critics for its fast-paced action, striking visuals, and creative concepts.

Currently, Anisa Sanusi, a former user interface/experience designer for Rollerdrome, has taken to congratulating the game on its second anniversary. In addition, she has encouraged fans to illegally download the game since none of the original developers who created the action title at Roll7 are still employed there. This unconventional request can be attributed to the unfortunate closure of Roll7 and Intercept Games earlier this year. Specifically, in May, Take-Two Interactive reportedly terminated both studios, leaving all employees associated with Rollerdrome jobless.

Rollerdrome Developer Asks Fans To Pirate The Game During Its 2-Year Anniversary

In a rather uncomfortable turn of events, it’s important to note that Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, had boosted his own salary by an impressive $26 million this year. This happened at the same time when Roll7, a studio known for delivering commercially successful games like ‘OlliOlli World’, was under scrutiny.

2024 has proven to be a particularly challenging year for the gaming industry. The expenses associated with game production continue to rise, while some companies aren’t seeing the corresponding growth in profits. This financial strain has resulted in a significant wave of job losses, with over 11,500 positions eliminated across various studios so far. Notable companies like Microsoft, Sega, Twitch, Embracer Group, Unity, Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Epic Games, Sony, and numerous others have been forced to let go of employees due to these financial pressures.

Despite the current hardships, there’s a chance for some delightful twists in unexpected places. For instance, PUBG publisher Krafton has recently taken over Tango Gameworks, a studio that Microsoft had closed down in May earlier. Interestingly, Krafton has rehired approximately half of the original team behind Hi-Fi Rush, acquired the rights to publish future games in this series, and is rumored to be gearing up for its return to the popular franchise once again. Unfortunately, it seems that similar outcomes might not occur for studios like Roll7 or Rollerdrome, or for most of the other shuttered studios from this year.

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2024-08-16 20:43