Risk of Rain Devs Cancel Current Project & Jump Ship To Valve

Several Hopoo Games developers have left the Risk of Rain studio to work for Valve, according to an announcement on X.

The studio’s heartfelt X post announced that they will continue making games alongside their work with Valve, but will cease work on their current project, codenamed “snail.”

It’s unclear how many employees were taken into Valve’s fold, but it seems the number was big enough for the studio to enter an unofficial hiatus.

Despite no closure being announced, the post ended with “sleep tight, Hopoo Games.”

Although most fan replies were positive, some were saddened by the implications on the studio’s previous work. Earlier this week, Risk of Rain fans were treated to an unfinished, buggy, and ludicrously priced DLC by the IP’s new owners, Gearbox.

There’s no telling if Gearbox’s acquisition is facing a few hiccups or if it’s indicative of their plan for the series.

Still, if Hopoo Games won’t, or more aptly can’t, treat their wounded series, we can expect the same level of care and passion for their future work at Valve.

Despite the developers’ talent and clear love for games, their transfer is still a strange but welcome break from the bloody layoff streak the gaming industry has seen these past few years. Given how few staff Valve keeps around, as revealed by a 2021 leak, these hires are noteworthy.

So, why the extra hands on deck?

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

Although Valve’s arguably the shyest when it comes to putting out new games, or sequels, this year is different.

Calling Valve’s Deadlock the worst-kept gaming secret of all time is somewhere south of an understatement. For months before the company’s announcement, thousands of people were already playing the game, including journalists.

Still, a Verge reporter was banned for publishing an article about it, despite not signing an NDA— why invite a reporter for a secret project without restricting them is anyone’s guess.

With Deadlock aiming for Overwatch‘s spot, Valve has their work cut out for them, hence the need for more staff; constant updates for a multiplayer game might be too much for the two people they keep year-round.

However, if you’re more of an optimist, there might be more than a new shooter in store.

Half-Life 3 scares could fill several volumes, but they have ramped up this year— we’ve had our fill reporting on these leaks and rumors.

After years of suspense, begging, a few lines of code, namesake companies, and website hints, Valve has more than enough to live up to. And Hoppo Games’ converts might be Valve’s key to fulfilling these expectations.

But, as with all things Valve, every morsel of truth is taken with mounds of salt. Until and unless there is some sort of official confirmation, these hires are good news for their own sake.

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