Ballistic Moon, the studio that brought the 2024 remake of the popular horror game Until Dawn to life, has officially closed its doors. The studio, founded in 2020 by industry veterans Duncan Kershaw, Neil McEwan, and Chris Lamb, was dissolved on February 3, 2025, following financial struggles that were unable to be overcome.
The announcement comes as a surprise to many in the gaming community, given the anticipation that surrounded the Until Dawn remake. While the game was praised for its enhanced graphics and additional content, it faced criticism for performance issues and a price tag that some fans felt was unjustified compared to the original 2015 version.
The Rise and Fall of Ballistic Moon
Founded by Kershaw, McEwan, and Lamb, Ballistic Moon aimed to make a significant impact in the gaming industry. Their first major project, the Until Dawn remake, was a bold endeavor that sought to bring a beloved PS4 horror classic into the next generation with updated visuals and new scenes.
Despite the studio’s ambitious goals, the Until Dawn remake received mixed reviews. It secured a Metacritic score of 70 and a user score of 6.8, reflecting a lukewarm reception. On Steam, the game fared slightly better, with 81% of user reviews being positive.
“As the games industry continues to face complex challenges, we at Ballistic Moon are confronted with some difficult realities,” the studio stated in September 2024.
Financial Struggles and Closure
In September 2024, just a month before the game’s release, Ballistic Moon announced significant staff reductions in a bid to stay afloat. The studio expressed deep regret over the decision, emphasizing the harsh realities of the gaming industry.
Despite these efforts, the financial cuts were insufficient. By November 2025, an application was made to strike Ballistic Moon off the UK Companies House register. This move was confirmed by a notice in The Gazette, the UK’s official public record, marking the end of the studio’s brief but impactful journey.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The closure of Ballistic Moon highlights the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even promising projects can face unexpected challenges. Industry experts point to the increasing costs of game development and the high expectations from consumers as significant hurdles for new studios.
According to sources, the dissolution of Ballistic Moon serves as a cautionary tale for other developers. The gaming landscape is rapidly evolving, with technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences driving the need for constant innovation.
By the Numbers: The 2024 Until Dawn Remake
- Metacritic Score: 70
- User Score: 6.8
- Steam Positive Reviews: 81%
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, the story of Ballistic Moon underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptability. While the studio’s closure marks the end of an era, it also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls that even the most well-intentioned projects can encounter.
For fans of Until Dawn, the remake remains a testament to the studio’s creative vision and dedication. As the gaming community reflects on this development, the hope is that future projects will learn from Ballistic Moon’s experiences, paving the way for more sustainable and successful ventures.
