“Simulated Lives: A Fusion of Life Sims and The Truman Show” – A Farewell from Jake Solomon’s Studio

Midsummer Studios: A Brief History

In a surprising turn of events, Midsummer Studios, the promising game development company that announced its arrival in May 2024 with ambitious plans to redefine the life simulation genre, is now facing closure. Co-founder Jake Solomon, known for his work on XCOM, took to social media recently to confirm the unfortunate news. Despite the setback, Solomon bid farewell by sharing a glimpse of Burbank, their innovative project that aimed to combine elements of a TV series with cutting-edge generative AI technology.

Solomon expressed his pride in the studio’s achievements, stating, “We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both.” Before bidding adieu to Midsummer Studios, he offered a sneak peek at Burbank, the labor of love that the team had poured their hearts into.

The initial buzz surrounding Midsummer Studios stemmed from a detailed overview by Katharine Castle for Eurogamer in May 2024. The studio’s debut project was described as a small-town life simulation game inspired by a diverse range of sources, from Stephen King to Gilmore Girls. Players were promised the ability to create characters and select story themes, such as pursuing romantic interests in the town. The game world was touted as a dynamic, ever-evolving simulation where new scenarios would continually unfold.

While it remains unclear if Burbank is a direct evolution of this initial concept, Solomon hinted at similar narrative sandbox ambitions for the project. Describing Burbank as “‘Life Sims + The Truman Show’, but more,” he emphasized the game’s focus on empowering players to craft their own stories and characters.

One of the standout features of Burbank was its use of AI technology to enhance character interactions. Solomon hinted at utilizing AI for memory, reasoning, and speech capabilities within the game. While specific details about the generative AI implementation were not provided, he emphasized that the technology aimed to enable players to create diverse characters and engage in immersive storytelling experiences.

Despite the studio’s closure, questions linger about the future of Burbank and the reasons behind Midsummer Studios’ demise. The studio initially secured $6 million in funding from notable backers like Krafton, Day Zero Productions, and several venture capital firms. However, the specifics of their financial challenges remain undisclosed, leaving fans curious about the fate of Burbank.

As of the latest update, Midsummer Studios boasts a team of 12 staff members, including Jake Solomon. The industry will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the talented individuals affected by the studio’s closure.