Developer Two Tribes Announces Retirement After Next Game

Two Tribes has developed games such as Toki Tori 1, 2, Rush, and Edge. Their upcoming game, RIVE, is a departure from their usual puzzle focused games. Last year, gamers were given an early look at the game via a special E3 demo. This game is still coming, but the developer has now announced it will be their last game ever. Read on to find out why and what I think about this announcement.

After RIVE, Two Tribes is calling it quits. The developer announced this news via twitter and a blog entry today.

Breaking! Two Tribes is Retiring After 15 Years, RIVE is Our Final Game! #gamedev #indiedev https://t.co/f26QGMVekk Retweets Appreciated!

— Two Tribes (@TwoTribesGames) March 10, 2016

This is really shocking news. Two Tribes has been a major developer, especially on Nintendo consoles. I enjoyed their Toki Tori games, especially the first one, and I thought Rush and Edge were good games. Their upcoming game, RIVE, looks like the best game they’ve ever done though. I liked the demo and think the finished product will be even better.

So why is the developer calling it quits after 15 years? In a blog entry, they explain:

” Long story short (grandfathers like to digress!): when running a company, you need to be on top of your game, not just in terms of the product you’re making, but business-wise too. And we just aren’t on top of the games business anymore. Therefore, it makes sense to focus our attention elsewhere, perhaps even outside the games industry.”

Its disappointing that the publisher feels like they are not a top tier developer anymore. I don’t think this is true though. There are many developers on Wii U, 3DS, and other systems that are not as good as Two Tribes. Also Two Tribes is taking a big chance with RIVE and doing something completely different from what they usually do. RIVE could be a big deal. I suppose people could make an argument for them going out with a bang, but I just don’t think its a great idea. I’m hoping that RIVE will sell well enough that the developer will rethink leaving the industry.

” We simply don’t know yet; but we do know that RIVE is going to be our parting gift to you and we’re making damn sure it’s going to be an awesome one! ”

I’m looking forward to seeing RIVE. I think it’ll be a cool game. We’ll find out for sure in September!

What do you think of Two Tribes? Do you think they are making the right decision? Also, are you looking forward to RIVE? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

If you go, I’ll miss you Two Tribes!