The first half of the year has been challenging for Life Is Strange studio Don't Nod. The company disclosed that due to the underperformance of Jusant and Banishers: Ghost of New Eden, two upcoming projects have been put on hold temporarily. Don't Nod reported a 11% decline in operating revenue year over year in its first-half 2024 financial results. "We are clearly disheartened by our recent performance in a highly competitive and discerning market," stated Don't Nod CEO Oskar Guilbert. "Despite receiving excellent critical acclaim, Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden failed to meet the commercial expectations we had, leading to a decline in our 2024 half-year results and prompting us to reassess our roadmap."
This roadmap now includes "pausing two projects temporarily" and concentrating on "the highest potential return on investment in the short (and medium) term," according to Don't Nod's financial briefing. High expectations are now pinned on Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, with the first episode set to launch in February 2025. GameSpot's preview of the game highlighted an intriguing twist that sets it apart from being just another Life Is Strange imitator.
Earlier this year, Don't Nod surprisingly referred to Jusant as a success when outlining a strategy to focus on specific genres: action-RPGs and narrative adventure games, among others. At that time, the company mentioned it had seven projects in development, though that number has now been reduced to five. Jusant, a climbing game, was released last year, while Banishers: Ghost of New Eden debuted in February of this year. For more insights, read GameSpot's review of Banishers.
