Life is Strange studio Don't Nod enters French safeguard proceedings

[SuperPosition24]

Don't Nod, the French studio behind Life is Strange, is fighting to survive. PC Gamer's Andy Chalk reports that the company has entered safeguard proceedings in France, a process similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States

The process gives the company an observation period of six to 18 months, during which creditors cannot enforce their debts. After that, a court approves a repayment plan that can run for up to ten years

Chief executive Oskar Guilbert said the company's cash position does not allow it to secure all of its financing needs. A month ago, the studio warned it could run out of cash by January 2027 and that up to 90 jobs were at risk. Its September restructuring plan put the figure at up to 85 and cut its French operations to a single production line

Several recent games have struggled. Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden undersold, and Aphelion missed expectations. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage was well received by critics, but clearly not enough to turn things around

Don't Nod has made some of the most emotional and distinctive story games of the last decade. It would be a real loss if the studio did not survive. Hopefully the safeguard process gives it the breathing room it needs

What is your favourite Don't Nod game? And why are story driven games struggling to sell?

The studio behind Life is Strange, Jusant, and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is desperately struggling to stay afloatwww.pcgamer.com