Phoenix Labs Closes Gallant Studios Following Workforce Reductions

On May 29, Phoenix Labs will officially shut down its flagship game, Dauntless. The developer announced that the monster hunting game will receive “no further content or updates,” and it will even be unplayable after that date.

In recent years, Phoenix Labs has experienced multiple rounds of layoffs, including over 100 employees in May 2024. Just a few weeks ago, the developer revealed that it had let go of “most” of its remaining staff.

Dauntless initially launched in 2019 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The free-to-play game encouraged players to team up or go solo to take down monsters (referred to as “Behemoths”), craft and enhance equipment, and do it all again with more formidable foes. Days following its official launch, it captured the attention of over 6 million players, and it holds the distinction of being the first game to debut with crossplay functionality among PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

In late 2024, Game Developer reported the company’s alleged difficulties after it had been quietly acquired by Ability Labs. The blockchain firm bought it in 2023, seemingly with plans to integrate its technology into the studio’s games to monetize in-game assets. New management reportedly instructed staff not to disclose information about the acquisition.

Former employees later shared insights about their work on ‘Project Dragon,’ one of the terminated projects described as a blend of Minecraft and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

As of this writing, Phoenix Labs’ other title, Fae Farm, does not appear to be at risk of closing down.

In its brief statement regarding the game’s closure, the studio expressed gratitude to all players “for being a part of the Dauntless journey.”

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