Sweet Bandits Studios Shuts Down: The End of Deceive Inc.

As 2024 draws to a close, another game studio has officially closed its doors. Sweet Bandits Studios, the Canadian developer behind the multiplayer spy shooter Deceive Inc., announced on December 4th that it would cease operations. The game, which launched in 2023, received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. Following the studio's closure, they stated they would discuss with the publisher how to maintain the online game.

In a statement shared on the Steam forums and X, the Sweet Bandits team revealed that they had reached a point where the studio could no longer sustain itself. They expressed, "After a long and challenging journey, we have tried to bring Deceive Inc. to its ideal state, but ultimately, the studio could not continue this adventure." The team emphasized their sadness over the closure but also conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to create and share their world with the community.

Players took on the role of spies in Deceive Inc., using their abilities to disguise themselves as non-playable characters (NPCs) or inanimate objects, like vases, to blend in with the crowd. The objective was to obtain key cards, evade guards, and compete with others for treasures. The game featured both solo and team modes, where players could utilize various high-tech gadgets, such as mini surveillance cameras, to ambush opponents and successfully escape with their loot.

Game Updates and Community Engagement

This year, Deceive Inc. saw the release of a story DLC in July and a significant update titled Scoundrels & Sentinels in November, which added a wealth of content and raised the level cap to 700. The studio even offered the game for free for a limited time on the Epic Games Store. Despite these efforts, the game struggled to maintain a strong player base, particularly in a saturated multiplayer market.

According to data from third-party site SteamDB, although the game peaked at around 8,000 players at launch, it struggled to exceed 300 concurrent players even during major updates. This decline in player engagement highlights the challenges faced by multiplayer titles in a crowded gaming landscape.

Future of Deceive Inc.'s Online Experience

Sweet Bandits Studios employed 18 staff members and was working closely with publisher Tripwire Interactive to ensure that the game could continue to operate its multiplayer servers. They reassured fans, stating, "Once we have more news, we will share it with everyone. For now, the servers and the game will remain operational." This commitment aims to maintain the community's engagement even after the studio's closure.

Reflections on a Unique Gaming Experience

The concept of Deceive Inc. offered a fresh twist on the multiplayer genre, allowing players to creatively navigate their environments. The ability to disguise as NPCs provided a strategic layer that engaged players and encouraged innovative gameplay. The community's passion for the game was evident, and the developers appreciated the support they received throughout the game's life cycle.

The Impact of Industry Trends

The closure of Sweet Bandits serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even beloved titles can struggle amidst shifting player interests and market saturation. As more studios face similar challenges, it raises questions about the sustainability of multiplayer games and the evolving preferences of gamers. The gaming community continues to seek unique experiences, and studios must adapt to meet these demands.

With Deceive Inc. available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, players can still enjoy its unique blend of strategy and action, complete with traditional Chinese language support. The legacy of Sweet Bandits and their innovative approach to game design will be remembered by those who engaged with their work.