Mass Effect Veteran's New Studio, Which Was Making AAA Sci-Fi Game, Is Shutting Down

Humanoid Origin, a new studio founded by Mass Effect veteran Casey Hudson, is closing up shop. The studio announced on LinkedIn that it is closing down due to an "unexpected shortfall of funding."

The statement said the studio is "heartbroken" that it won't be able to launch its new sci-fi game, but its main concern is supporting staffers as they find new jobs. "In our time together, the team achieved incredible progress, and demonstrated that it's possible to do amazing work while fostering a culture of fun and creativity," the statement said. "We thank them for their talent, courage, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout our journey."

Humanoid Origin was announced in 2021 and had been working on the previously described sci-fi game that was labeled as "an incredible AAA IP unlike anything else." The studio was based in Canada and had offices in Edmonton, Alberta, and Kelowna, in addition to working with remote staff.

Hudson worked at BioWare for 16 years from 1998-2014, and was best known for his work on the Mass Effect series. He joined Xbox in 2015 and worked on the company's mixed-reality devices before returning to BioWare in 2017 to become its general manager. He left BioWare again in 2020 before starting Humanoid in 2021. It remains to be seen what he could do next.

As for BioWare, the team just launched Dragon Age: The Veilguard in October. The team is not making any DLC or expansions and is now shifting to the next Mass Effect game, which is being made by a group of series veterans (but not Hudson).