Barnyard Games, a studio established by experienced developers such as Matthew Armstrong (creator of Borderlands), John Blakely, Mark Cieslar, and Christopher Sturr, has ceased operations. Blakely announced the closure via LinkedIn, marking the end of their venture into creating games using Fortnite Creative with Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN).

Launched in late 2023 with a focus on crafting titles within Epic’s UEFN ecosystem, Barnyard Games aimed to leverage Fortnite’s expanding user-generated content landscape. Though aligned with Epic’s tools, the studio operated independently and secured $3.4 million in initial funding to develop projects like Mega Fun Golf Zone.

In a statement shared during the studio’s unveiling, Blakely highlighted the appeal of UEFN’s creative flexibility: “This platform opens doors to unexplored opportunities, letting us innovate while empowering players to shape their experiences. We’re eager to see how audiences respond to Barnyard’s playful approach and will keep evolving with their feedback.”

Reflecting on the closure, Blakely expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s bittersweet to share that Barnyard Games has reached its conclusion. To our supporters and team—thank you for your belief and dedication. Collaborating with you has been an honor, and I remain proud of what we achieved together.” The decision stemmed from challenges in securing further investment amid a strained industry climate.

Barnyard’s shutdown raises questions about the viability of UEFN-focused studios, even with seasoned talent at the helm. As Fortnite battles Roblox for dominance in user-generated content, this outcome underscores the hurdles developers face in monetizing within such ecosystems. With players increasingly concentrated on a handful of titles, the struggle to carve sustainable niches grows ever more daunting.

Update 12/09/2025: This article has been revised to accurately detail Barnyard Games’ founding timeline and structure.