Versus Evil, an esteemed video game publisher spearheaded by Steve Escalante, a former marketing director from ZeniMax Online Studios, has announced it will cease operations after a decade-long run. The announcement was made through a message on the company's official social media channel.
Established in 2013, Versus Evil has been a beacon of support for indie game developers across the globe. The company's portfolio of services includes marketing, PR, influencer engagement, social media management, community support, quality assurance, and localization, as well as aiding in the development of various platforms. Versus Evil's publications spanned across the major platforms, including mobile devices, PCs, and the latest generation consoles, with collaborations stretching over indie studios from diverse regions, including North America, South America, and Europe.
During its time, Versus Evil was instrumental in the success of several fiercely acclaimed indie projects. Among these was the Banner Saga series, the publisher's inaugural project, which debuted in 2014 to widespread acclaim and accolades, earning a place as one of the standout indie releases of the year. Other noteworthy titles under its umbrella include Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, UnMetal, and First Class Trouble. In a move to expand its influence, Versus Evil was acquired by tinyBuild, a Washington-based indie game publisher, in November 2021.
The timing of the closure shortly before Christmas casts a shadow on the holiday season, particularly affecting the company's employees. Those in the gaming community who have followed and supported Versus Evil over the years share in the concern for the future of the publisher's current and planned games. 'Lil’ Guardsman,' a light-hearted deduction adventure from Hilltop Studios aimed at PCs and consoles, is one of the impending projects left in uncertainty. With Versus Evil shutting its doors, the development team behind Lil’ Guardsman faces the decision of whether to self-publish or to find a new partner to bring their creation to the market.
As 2023 draws to a close, the gaming world feels the weight of multiple indie game company closures, with Versus Evil being the latest addition to the list. Yet, as the new year approaches, optimism for revival and uplifting developments within the industry holds strong.
