Developer of Notable Cosmic Horror Shooter on Game Pass to Close Just Weeks After Release

Luna Abyss is an atmospheric bullet hell shooter that draws inspiration from titles like Metroid Prime and Returnal, showcasing impressive gameplay for a debut title. Despite receiving positive reviews and player feedback on Steam, the studio behind this day-and-date Game Pass release is set to close its doors less than a month after launch.

In a LinkedIn post, Kwalee Labs’ CEO Hollie Emery expressed gratitude for the support the game received from both the industry and players. She noted, “While we faced numerous challenges, this project has been a highlight of our careers, and we are incredibly proud to have brought it to life. Thank you to everyone who believed in us!”

Emery also shared the unfortunate news that the entire team has been made redundant, a decision beyond their control. She emphasized her pride in what the small team accomplished with Luna Abyss, especially in a genre known for its difficulty in achieving high review scores.

The game was released on May 21 for $30 on Steam and consoles, with Game Pass subscribers on PC and Xbox Series X/S able to play it for free. It has been described as “quietly one of the best shooters of 2026,” and has garnered an 86-percent positive rating on Steam, along with a score over 80 on Metacritic.

Despite the positive reception for this debut project and whatever Game Pass arrangement was made with Microsoft, it hasn’t been enough to secure a future for the team in the horror shooter genre. This situation serves as a stark reminder that even well-received games with unique offerings and support from Game Pass can struggle to find lasting success.