LIFE IS STRANGE FRANCHISE IS IN TROUBLE... (Deck Nine Games)

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the uncertain future of the *Life is Strange* franchise, focusing on the financial struggles and layoffs at Deck Nine Games. Despite *Life is Strange: Double Exposure* having a strong start, the final chapters and mixed reception left fans disappointed. The recent layoffs, including key creative figures like the game’s director and narrative lead, signal a potential collapse for Deck Nine. With these significant changes and the franchise's future uncertain, the speaker fears *Life is Strange* could be nearing its end, leaving fans in suspense about what comes next.

Takeaways

• 😀 The future of the *Life is Strange* franchise is uncertain due to financial troubles at Deck Nine Games.
• 😀 Deck Nine Games has faced multiple layoffs, including key people such as the director and narrative director of *Life is Strange: Double Exposure*.
• 😀 *Life is Strange: Double Exposure* has received mixed reviews, with some fans disappointed by how it handled character choices and endings.
• 😀 The last two episodes of *Life is Strange: Double Exposure* were seen as rushed and poorly executed, in contrast to the stronger first three episodes.
• 😀 Deck Nine Games has already experienced a significant loss of staff, with 20% of their workforce cut earlier this year and more layoffs recently.
• 😀 The recent layoffs have included some of the most important creative minds behind the *Life is Strange* series, including the director, narrative director, and other key staff.
• 😀 The layoffs have sparked concern among fans about the future of the franchise, with some wondering if Deck Nine will collapse like Telltale Games.
• 😀 The industry-wide financial challenges are contributing to the difficulties at Deck Nine, alongside the mixed reception of their latest game.
• 😀 The creator of the video expressed sympathy for the laid-off employees, emphasizing that no one should celebrate the loss of jobs, especially during the holiday season.
• 😀 The future of *Life is Strange* might involve a complete overhaul, with speculation that the franchise could take a new direction or end entirely.
• 😀 The loss of key people at Deck Nine raises concerns about the continuation of planned *Life is Strange* projects, including *Double Exposure 2* and other sequels.

Q & A

What is the current state of the 'Life is Strange' franchise?

The 'Life is Strange' franchise is facing a precarious future, with recent layoffs at Deck Nine Games raising concerns about the studio's ability to continue developing the series. There are mixed opinions about the latest release, 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure,' and the departure of key team members only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise.

How was 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure' received by fans and critics?

'Life is Strange: Double Exposure' received mixed reviews. While the first three chapters of the game were praised for their story and character development, the last two chapters were criticized for being short and lacking depth, leading to disappointment among fans.

What are some of the key reasons behind the layoffs at Deck Nine Games?

The layoffs at Deck Nine Games appear to be a result of the studio’s financial struggles, as well as the mixed reception of 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure.' The game’s reception, combined with internal issues, likely contributed to the decision to reduce the workforce, with key roles like directors and narrative writers being let go.

Who are some of the significant people who were laid off at Deck Nine?

Significant layoffs at Deck Nine include Jonathan Stroder, the director of 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure,' and Feliz Quan, the narrative director. These layoffs are especially concerning because they involve key creative leads who were central to the development of the game.

What impact does the departure of these key staff members have on the future of the franchise?

The departure of key staff members like Stroder and Quan is deeply worrying for the future of the 'Life is Strange' franchise. Without the creative leadership of these individuals, the direction of future games in the series becomes uncertain, and fans worry about the quality and continuity of the franchise.

How has Deck Nine’s financial situation affected the studio’s operations?

Deck Nine Games has faced financial difficulties, with multiple layoffs and the loss of significant partnerships, including their deal with Skybound to make a new 'Walking Dead' game. These issues have had a direct impact on the studio’s ability to deliver successful projects, leading to a reduced workforce and instability.

What does the narrator suggest could be the future of Deck Nine Games?

The narrator suggests that Deck Nine Games might be on the brink of collapse, similar to what happened with Telltale Games. Given the recent layoffs and the challenges the studio is facing, there is a real possibility that Deck Nine could shut down or be absorbed by another company, leaving the future of the 'Life is Strange' series in doubt.

What are the implications of the layoffs for the upcoming 'Life is Strange' game?

The layoffs at Deck Nine create significant uncertainty for the next 'Life is Strange' game. The departure of the director and narrative team raises questions about whether the studio will continue working on a sequel to 'Double Exposure' or if the franchise will be handed over to another studio entirely.

How does the timing of the layoffs affect the morale of the team and the fanbase?

The timing of the layoffs, just before the holidays, is particularly troubling. Losing jobs at such a difficult time can severely affect the morale of the team, and the fanbase is understandably upset about the fate of the franchise, with many expressing concern that the series could end prematurely.

What does the narrator think about the future of the 'Life is Strange' franchise?

The narrator expresses a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the 'Life is Strange' franchise. Given the layoffs, mixed reception of 'Double Exposure,' and financial troubles at Deck Nine, the narrator believes that the series may be in serious jeopardy, and it’s possible that there may never be another 'Life is Strange' game.