Metal: Hellsinger Developer The Outsiders Closes Amid Funcom Layoffs
The Outsiders, the Swedish studio behind the acclaimed rhythm-based FPS Metal: Hellsinger, has officially shut down following layoffs at parent company Funcom. The news was confirmed by David Goldfarb, creative director and co-founder of The Outsiders, who shared an emotional statement on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
— David Goldfarb (@locust9) October 6, 2025
“I have not had much time to process the news but all of us at The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm have been affected by the layoffs at Funcom and our 10-year-old studio will be closing,” Goldfarb wrote.
He went on to reflect on the team’s journey, recalling how Metal: Hellsinger was born after the studio narrowly avoided closure when its earlier project, Darkborn, was canceled.
“Many of us survived a near-death studio experience years back when Darkborn was cancelled, and because of this team's loyalty and refusal to quit, Metal: Hellsinger was born. It will always be a high point for me personally and I will be forever grateful we got to make it and for the wonderful team and partnerships that made it happen.”
Goldfarb added that The Outsiders had been working toward “something even better this time,” but that plans were cut short. He emphasized the team’s determination to continue in some new form and asked for support within the industry for affected employees.
“We are not giving up, and we are going to try to continue on in some new form. If you think you can help in any way — with business leads, placement for employees, guidance, whatever it is — I would be genuinely grateful if you reach out here. Change is always tough and right now we are all hurting.”
Founded in 2015 by Goldfarb and Benjamin Cousins, The Outsiders was initially an independent studio for six years before being acquired by Funcom in 2021. The studio’s standout release, Metal: Hellsinger, launched in 2022 to critical and fan praise for its inventive blend of FPS mechanics and rhythm gameplay, earning multiple awards and a strong player following.
The closure follows a wave of layoffs at Funcom, which recently stated that it was downsizing as Dune: Awakening, its upcoming survival MMO, transitions from active development to post-launch support. Funcom described Dune: Awakening as the “biggest release” in its 32-year history but confirmed that “fewer developers were needed” as the game entered its next phase.
While Funcom did not specify the number of employees affected, The Outsiders’ official site listed around 30 developers, all of whom are now impacted by the studio’s closure.
The shutdown marks another loss in an increasingly turbulent year for the gaming industry, as multiple studios continue to face downsizing and consolidation even after successful releases.
What are your thoughts on The Outsiders’ closure? Did Metal: Hellsinger deserve a sequel, or do you think the team will return under a new name?
