Risk of Rain Developer Halts New Project as Key Team Members Join Valve

Hopoo Games, the indie studio behind popular titles like Risk of Rain and Deadbolt, has announced a major shift. The studio’s co-founders, Duncan Drummond and Paul Morse, along with several team members, have joined Valve. As a result, Hopoo Games has canceled their upcoming project, an unannounced game called “Snail.”

In a statement posted on X, Hopoo Games expressed excitement about the move. “Duncan and Paul, alongside many other talented members at Hopoo Games, will now be working on game development directly at Valve Software,” the statement reads. The studio expressed gratitude to Valve for their longstanding partnership, adding that this new step means ending production on “Snail.”

The decision echoes Valve’s 2018 acquisition of Campo Santo, the developer of Firewatch. After the acquisition, Campo Santo’s highly anticipated project In the Valley of the Gods was put on indefinite hold. Now, many fans are wondering what the future holds for the creative team behind Risk of Rain under Valve’s wing.

Despite the cancellation, Hopoo Games reassured fans of their commitment to game development. “We love making games – and will continue to do so, for years to come. We’re excited to be working side-by-side with the talented people at Valve. But for now – sleep tight, Hopoo Games,” the statement concludes.