Hidden Variable, the LA-based developer of Skullgirls Cellular, has issued a press release revealing that the crew is “not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cellular, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts” since twenty first January and has initiated authorized proceedings in opposition to writer Autumn Video games.
Posted to social media platforms (thanks, Occasion Hubs), the assertion says that the authorized papers have been filed in LA and the crew will not be making additional remark “till this dispute is resolved”.
The papers present that the developer is claiming breach of contract associated to failure to make “required funds” totalling over $1.2 million.
Hidden Variable Assertion Relating to Skullgirls Growth
As of January twenty first, 2025, Hidden Variable is not concerned within the improvement of Skullgirls Cellular, 2nd Encore, or different Skullgirls IP-related efforts attributable to a dispute with Autumn Video games which is now the topic of litigation filed within the Los Angeles County Superior Court docket. In gentle of that, we hope you perceive that – past this assertion – we is not going to be commenting additional till this dispute is resolved.
All of us at HVS are extremely happy with the ten+ years we have invested in Skullgirls in all its varieties, together with creating and supporting Skullgirls Cellular, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the aggressive group through the Skullgirls Championship Collection, and serving to followers new and previous fall in love with the IP by the Skullgirls Webtoon and numerous different partnerships.
Most of all, we’re grateful to have been in a position to have a good time and assist the incomparable Skullgirls group – lots of whom we have been lucky to fulfill in individual over time at numerous occasions.
Thanks all for every thing – you deserve nothing however the very best.
Hidden Variable Studios
The writer issued its personal assertion on Twitter, aligning itself with the fandom and trying to rally assist whereas additionally asserting Guilds for Skullgirls coming “later this 12 months” and making no particular reference to the dispute:
An Replace on Skullgirls
To the Skullgirls Group,
At first, I wish to acknowledge the issues surrounding latest bulletins.
Skullgirls has all the time been greater than only a sport – it is a ardour mission, a dwelling murals, and a world formed by the love of its creators and gamers alike. From the earliest days, it has been this partnership with you, the Skullgirls Group, that has made the Skullgirls Universe so particular. And with that, I wish to let you recognize – with no uncertainty – that Autumn Video games is right here to develop our funding, assist, and improvement of the Skullgirls franchise.
For the previous 15 years, Autumn Video games has labored behind the scenes because the unwavering spine of Skullgirls, guaranteeing its progress and investing to carry this world to life. Now we have been right here from the beginning-through each problem, each triumph, and each main milestone. With the unimaginable work, creativity, and assist of assorted groups: from Reverge Labs to Lab Zero, Future Membership, and Hidden Variable Studios; the Skullgirls Universe has advanced in extraordinary methods regardless of vital challenges.
Nonetheless, it has develop into particularly clear that we collectively haven’t been delivering on our promise to you the followers; to carry new characters, tales, options, and sport modes in the way in which you deserve. To be blunt, that’s the reason we’re making modifications now.
We’re not an enormous company stepping in to take over; we’re sport builders, storytellers, and passionate followers, identical to you.
With that in thoughts, I wish to make one factor clear: Skullgirls is right here to remain, and we’re totally dedicated to constructing its future.
We’re not right here to easily preserve Skullgirls – we’re stepping in to reinvest in it, to increase the tales and gameplay, and to proceed to construct upon the Skullgirls Universe that all of us love.
It might come as no shock that we have now an countless provide of concepts – we all know you as followers do too. We’re listening and we will likely be delivering on our guarantees.
To that time, we’re excited to announce that we are going to be launching Guilds for Skullgirls this 12 months, a very lengthy promised function; which is now truly in improvement since we have now taken over in the previous few months.
Your suggestions, your ardour, and your assist imply every thing to us. Thanks for being a part of this unimaginable journey – we won’t wait to take Skullgirls into this new chapter collectively.
Come be part of the dialogue on the Skullgirls Discord and keep tuned for updates quickly.
Jason and the Autumn Video games Crew
That is the most recent in a protracted line of issues and controversies across the standard however troubled preventing sport, the cellular model of which was developed solely by Hidden Variable.
Remnants of the unique developer Reverge Labs reformed as Lab Zero Video games following layoffs in 2012, and a falling out with Konami led to the Encore version of the sport (which grew to become 2nd Encore).
In 2020, allegations in opposition to lead designer Mike Zaimont’s conduct and a sequence of resignations led to Hidden Variable and the writer chopping ties with Lab Zero utterly, after which Zaimont fired all remaining employees. Former members of the Lab Zero crew then shaped Future Membership to proceed work on the sport together with Hidden Variable.
On the time of writing, the developer’s web site states that the crew is “exhausting at work on each Skullgirls Cellular and a brand new, unique title”.