Lurker > KFHEWUI

In recent weeks, reports have surfaced that Take-Two is shuttering Kerbal Space Program 2 developer Intercept Games and OlliOlli World developer Roll7. Now, IGN has learned that not only are these closures imminent, but they are a part of a larger move by Take-Two to either sell off or shut down the entirety of its indie label, Private Division.

Earlier this month, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told IGN that Take-Two "didn't shutter" its owned indie studios Intercept Games and Roll7. At the time, that was technically true; both studios are currently operational, but they won't be for long. Speaking to multiple anonymous sources familiar with the matter, IGN has independently confirmed that Intercept Games is set to close on June 28, following a notice period required by the Washington State WARN Act. Roll7, too, is similarly winding down, though a small team remains to tie up loose ends.

Meanwhile, Take-Two wants to offload Private Division, one way or another. In February, IGN understands employees were told layoffs were imminent, but not given specifics on how many, why, or what was happening. Then, at the end of April, employees of the label were told by management that Take-Two would no longer support Private Division, at which time almost all the staff were laid off.

A small crew remains to support the remaining announced games with which Private Division has publishing deals: Moon Studios' No Rest for the Wicked (which is currently in early access), Wt Workshop's Tales of the Shire, and an untitled project from Game Freak. Take-Two has backed out of two other publishing deals it had previously agreed to under the label - one previously reported deal with Bloober Team, and another sources described to us that would have been with Ghostrunner developer One More Level.

The people at Private Division were amazing, talented, passionate individuals who loved what they did.
Though Private Division and its associated studios appear in danger of vanishing entirely, Take-Two is looking for other options...albeit with mixed success. The publisher has been in talks to find a buyer for the Kerbal Space Program IP, with or without Intercept Games attached. IGN has learned that discussions took place for such a deal with strategy game publisher Paradox Interactive, but fell through, and it's unclear if another buyer will materialize in time.

Take-Two is also in discussions to sell off Private Division, and has found interest from a private equity firm. Though a deal has not been agreed upon yet, sources were aware that conversations are being facilitated in part by individuals with connections to Moon Studios leadership. But two of my sources expressed apprehension about such a deal and its connections, citing a 2022 VentureBeat report alleging "oppressive" work conditions at Moon Studios. One source I spoke with confirmed that "everything" in the report was "true and worse" and another called the studio's founders "cruel" and "a nightmare" to work with.

All those I spoke to for this story expressed frustration at Take-Two leadership for alleged mismanagement of the label, and called out chief strategy officer and Private Division head Michael Worosz for poor leadership. Sources say the label was often saddled with unreasonable sales targets, and pressured to release games before they were ready, with Kerbal Space Program 2 being a notable recent example. And yet, all of those I spoke to shared feelings of sadness surrounding the fate of Private Division, citing the team's sincere mission to help smaller, independent studios, especially those that were newer and less established.

"The people at Private Division were amazing, talented, passionate individuals who loved what they did and also really cared about each other as a team and as people," one person said. "We loved our projects, we worked hard, and we fostered a great environment internally. I would love to work with any of them again. The pain point was always Take-Two and associated leadership forcing our hand. The whole layoff situation proved what we already felt. Take-Two could not care less about its employees."

Take-Two declined to comment for this piece; Moon Studios did not respond in time for publication.

While it's difficult to find the origins of Onsen Shark's production, the project was funded through a crowdfunding campaign on Campfire beginning in June 2023 and ending in July 2023. The project's initial goal was to reach 4,890,000 yen (about US$31,095), a number that can be read as "shark" in Japanese. Upon completion, the movie received 11,406,100 yen (about US$72,530.20) from 1,278 backers, which comes out to about 1,140% funded. It's a testament for such a silly premise people want to see the movie come to fruition.

However, in true Japanese spirit, this isn't going to be any ordinary shark movie. According to the crowdfunding page, the movie is set to use tokusatsu filming techniques. As in, practical models and effects where possible. The page also notes the movie is set to star Kiyofumi Kaneko, Kichi Makigami, Masaki Naito, Yuu Nakanishi, Takuya Fujimura, Shige Osako, Sumiya Shiina, Mio Takaki, Hiroyuki Yasuhara, Norito Noji, Tsubasa Okuno, Mayu Hasegawa, Myu Kawasaki, Taichi Fujii, Mai Kosaki, Marin Hibi, Ni-na, Yuta Suenaga, Kazuma Takeda, Kotori Aoi, Eri Usami, Choko Yushima, Yu Miyawaki, and Ayaka Sakaguchi. Morito Inoue is set to direct.

Thanks to Limited Run Games, we have a release date for Tomba Special Edition. The title launches on August 1, 2024.

Tomba Special Edition is a new version of the 1997 platformer. The re-release was announced nearly a year ago, but there was no word on launch timing until now.

Tomba Special Edition is being redone in Limited Run Games Carbon Engine. Also, its been confirmed that Harumi Fujita is working on a new soundtrack.

Tomba Special Edition will initially be available on the Switch eShop. However, Limited Run Games is also preparing a physical release.

# [Onsen Shark]
Will be released nationwide on July 5th!

The explosive birth of a Japanese shark movie

Special EffectsHot SpringsShark
Trailer
Narration: Sunshine Ikezaki
Theme song: Storytellings "Shakunetsu no Senka"

According to the official X (formerly Twitter) account for Onsen Shark and a video on its YouTube channel, the movie is set for release on July 5 at the following 11 theaters:

109 Cinemas Kiba
Human Trust Cinema Shibuya
109 Cinemas Kohoku
MOVIL
109 Cinemas Sano
109 Cinemas Takasaki
109 Cinemas Nagoya
Cineplaza Suntomoon
TTCG Umeda
109 Cinemas HAT Kobe
Uplink Kyoto

Join us on May 30th, at 4 p.m. PDT for a SILENT HILL Transmission, bringing you the latest news on the SILENT HILL series, including game updates, a look at the new movie, and merchandise.

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Top 7 is too long already.

How will Konami blow it this time?

Part of me really wants to see that even if it will be cringe.