Funcom’s recent workforce reductions have led to the closure of The Outsiders, the development team responsible for the rhythmic first-person shooter Metal: Hellsinger.

David Goldfarb, the studio’s co-founder and former creative lead, announced the shutdown in a social media post, stating, “Our Stockholm-based team and The Outsiders have been impacted by Funcom’s restructuring, marking the end of our decade-long studio journey.

This group persevered after the cancellation of Darkborn, which led to the creation of Metal: Hellsinger. That project remains a career highlight, thanks to our incredible collaborators. We aimed to build on that success, but circumstances shifted. While challenging, we’re exploring ways to regroup and continue our work. If you have opportunities, advice, or connections to share, please reach out—your support means everything during this transition.”

In a separate LinkedIn message, Goldfarb described the announcement as emotionally difficult, noting, “Posting this makes it real, and that’s terrifying.”

Funcom initially partnered with The Outsiders to publish Metal: Hellsinger before acquiring the studio in 2021, ending its six-year run as an independent developer. The studio’s website listed over 30 employees prior to the shutdown.

Funcom attributed the layoffs to shifting priorities as development on its upcoming survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, moves from creation to live operations. The company described the title as its “most ambitious project to date” in a recent statement.

Updated 06/10/2025: Clarified that The Outsiders and Funcom Stockholm operate as a single entity.

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