Midsummer Studios, a game development studio founded in May 2024 by veterans behind titles like Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and The Sims, is closing its doors. Co-founder and creative director Jake Solomon confirmed the shutdown.

“We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both,” Solomon said. Before closing, he offered fans a glimpse of the studio’s in-development title, Burbank.

Burbank: Life Sims Meets The Truman Show

Burbank is described as “like ‘Life Sims + The Truman Show,’ but more than that.” The game aims to let players create their own stories and bring characters to life in a dynamic world.

“I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up,” Solomon explained. “Burbank lets you do that. We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we’ve never experienced. For an old game developer like me, that’s special.”

The pre-alpha footage shows glimpses of the game’s world and character interactions, highlighting the studio’s vision for immersive storytelling and player creativity. While the game is still early in development, the footage suggests that Midsummer Studios aimed to push boundaries in life simulation gameplay.

A Short but Impactful Journey

Midsummer Studios had a brief but noteworthy run in the industry. Despite being active for less than two years, the team’s experience with major franchises influenced the ambitious direction of Burbank. The shutdown is a reminder of the challenges small studios face, even with experienced leadership.

Solomon’s decision to share pre-alpha footage ensures that the studio’s work will not go unseen. Fans and fellow developers can now witness the creativity and ambition that defined Midsummer Studios, even if the studio itself will no longer operate.

Looking Ahead

Although Midsummer Studios is closing, the team’s influence will likely persist in the projects and studios its members join next. Burbank’s pre-alpha serves as both a farewell and a testament to what the team envisioned: a world where players can craft their own stories and characters with unprecedented freedom.

For now, fans can watch the pre-alpha footage and imagine the full potential of Burbank, even as Midsummer Studios prepares to shut down.