The Team Behind a Highly Anticipated 2026 Metroidvania Is Shutting Down

Douze Dixiémes launched MIO: Memories in Orbit at the beginning of this year, delivering an atmospheric adventure that combined stunning sci-fi visuals with action-platforming puzzles and combat. This title was a standout in early 2026, offering a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre. However, just months later, the studio is reportedly shutting down.

A recent report highlights growing concerns among game developers in France, as many teams in the gaming sector are facing significant challenges. Douze Dixiémes made its debut with the 2020 puzzle adventure Shady Part of Me, showcasing their talent in animation and cinematics to create captivating visuals that unfolded during gameplay.

MIO: Memories in Orbit followed a similar path but aimed higher. This 2.5D side-scroller places players in the role of MIO, a robot navigating a deserted colony ship inhabited solely by other robots. It evokes a blend of Hollow Knight and Gris. The game achieved an impressive score in the 80s on Metacritic and received nearly 2,000 reviews on Steam, earning a very positive rating.

Despite the initial excitement, MIO: Memories in Orbit didn’t quite reach the status of a broader indie favorite or a strong contender for early indie Game of the Year accolades. While publishing rights for the game will remain with Focus Entertainment, the team behind it won’t have the opportunity to create the sequel they deserved. This situation exemplifies the fiercely competitive landscape where even exceptional games struggle to gain traction, which is disheartening.

Other studios like Quantic Dream, Don’t Nod, and Nacon are also grappling with financial difficulties. With venture capital and Chinese tech companies withdrawing from the gaming scene, it remains uncertain who will step in to support even the more established teams in the industry.