Developer of Last Year’s Hit Cozy Simulation Game Closes After Prototype Funding Falls Short

Wanderstop was one of the standout surprises of 2025. Blending cozy tea-making mechanics with a narrative adventure, this indie gem tackled the theme of burnout in a beautifully crafted world. Unfortunately, the studio behind it is shutting down after failing to secure funding for their next project, despite having an intriguing prototype in the works.

In a heartfelt announcement, Ivy Road shared, “Today, we must share some bittersweet news: Ivy Road is closing its doors as of March 31st, 2026. It’s hard to express our gratitude for the time spent working on Wanderstop with such an incredible team! While we were excited about our new project, Engine Angel, the funding didn’t materialize, leading to the studio’s closure.”

Founded in 2021 by Davey Wreden, co-creator of The Stanley Parable, with support from a publisher, Ivy Road brought players into the world of Wanderstop, where they helped a fighter navigate her self-worth and the quest for excellence by serving tea to a quirky cast of characters at a whimsical rest stop reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.

Liz, a member of the Ivy Road team, shared her passion for the game pitch and story, “ENGINE ANGEL,” stating, “We’re still seeking funding, but I want everyone to see the amazing work we’ve done. I’ll be sharing more updates and reposting the team’s content, so stay tuned!”

Wanderstop launched to generally positive reviews, boasting a 90 percent user rating on Steam. However, it seems sales weren’t enough to secure the studio’s future amid a challenging funding environment. Ivy Road had been pitching a prototype called Engine Angel, which combined elements of Twisted Metal with a hack-and-slash style reminiscent of Platinum Games.

The studio expressed disappointment, stating, “While we tried to shop the concept around and find a publishing partner, we weren’t able to land a deal. It’s a particularly tough time for raising game funds, so while we weren’t necessarily surprised, we are disappointed that we won’t be able to bring Engine Angel to life together as a team.”

As a parting gift, Wanderstop will receive one last update, allowing players to access any chapter directly without the usual busywork. A special code will enable players to jump to later sections of the game on demand. Sadly, Ivy Road is not the first indie studio to face this fate, and it likely won’t be the last as the gaming industry navigates its uncertain future.

Brenda Romero recently reflected on the current state of the industry, saying, “We were there in the ’80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier.” She and her husband, John Romero, have also found their own studio facing challenges after unexpected cuts from a major company last year.