Video game developers face war and funding crises

The video game industry faces diverse challenges, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to financial instability. Frogwares has completed 43 months of development for 'The Sinking City 2' despite the war in Ukraine. The studio reported working through electricity, heating, and water shortages, with leadership unable to meet in person for the duration of production. The new title shifts from an open-world investigation focus to a more linear survival horror experience set in Arkham, 1929.

Separately, Shift Up CEO Hyosung-Tae Kim revealed that the development of 'Stellar Blade' nearly faced cancellation due to funding shortages. At one point, the company only had enough capital to cover three months of salaries. Investors initially viewed the project as too risky and unprofitable, but the game eventually achieved commercial success, selling millions of units on PS5 and over a million on PC.