Mac Walters Pauses Indie Studio Worlds Untold as Funding Challenges Arise
Developer Worlds Untold is halting its operations as it seeks additional funding for its initial project.
On LinkedIn, founder and former BioWare employee Mac Walters shared that the Vancouver-based studio intends to “find a new partner to help realize our vision. This wasn’t a decision we took lightly—it’s been an incredibly personal journey, and we’re all immensely proud of what this team has accomplished.”
Walters established Worlds Untold last November with the purpose of creating narrative-driven triple-A games. Prior to that, he served as a lead writer on Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, and led the development of the remasters of the original trilogy before departing BioWare early last year.
The employees at Worlds Untold are now searching for employment, and Walters expressed that he would “be honored to connect [studios] with some of the finest talent I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. This is a heartbreaking time for all who are involved, but I am profoundly thankful for the encouragement of our partners, friends, and family, as well as for the moments we have shared.”
Studios seek funding amid an industry storm
Earlier this week, fellow former BioWare member Casey Hudson shut down his own studio, Humanoid Foundation, which was also working on an original, undisclosed project before its closure. Worlds Untold is yet another developer to publicly announce its need for funds: in mid-October, Tales of Kenzera developer Surgent Studios similarly went “on hiatus” while searching for a partner to assist with its upcoming title, ‘Finishing up Uso.’
“While we’re taking a break for now, this isn’t farewell—there’s much more ahead,” concluded Walters, “and we’re eager to share the next chapter with you when the time feels right.”
About the Author
Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com
A Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has contributed to a wide array of websites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his articles can also be found at io9 on Gizmodo. Do not ask him about how much gum he has chewed, as the response will likely be more than he is willing to confess.