The Turbulent Journey of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Developers

The development of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was a tumultuous journey for its co-director Axel Rydby and associate design director Johnny Armstrong. The game, which turned out to be a public mess, almost led them to reconsider their careers in the gaming industry.

Upon joining Rocksteady in 2018, Rydby and Armstrong saw potential in Suicide Squad despite it being a live service game, a departure from the studio’s usual output. However, as Warner Bros. executives pushed for monetization strategies, the development process became increasingly challenging.

The repeated delays and pressure to make the game more replayable took a toll on the developers. Rydby expressed feeling disconnected from the creative process, stating, “I kind of felt like this isn’t the gaming industry I wanted to work in.”

After the disappointing release of Suicide Squad, both Rydby and Armstrong were left questioning their passion for game development. However, they found solace in each other’s company and decided to collaborate on a new project.

The result of their partnership is Secret of Circadia, a city-builder/deckbuilder/roguelite game that explores themes of AI and nature’s resilience. The duo has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the game, providing an opportunity for supporters to help restore their faith in the industry.

Despite the challenges they faced with Suicide Squad, Rydby and Armstrong have persevered and channeled their experiences into creating a new and innovative game. Secret of Circadia represents a fresh start for the developers, showcasing their talent and dedication to the gaming community.