Velan Studios, despite shutting down its free-to-play multiplayer game Knockout City last June, has expressed ongoing interest in returning to the IP in the future. In a recent update unveiling new projects like Midnight Murder Club and Bounce Arcade, the studio assured fans that it remains fond of Knockout City and hopes to revisit its vibrant world when the time is right.
Emphasizing their role as an indie studio, Velan highlighted their commitment to pursuing ideas that inspire them, suggesting that while a return to Knockout City isn’t imminent, it’s certainly on their radar for future development.
The decision to halt Knockout City earlier this year was influenced by challenges in sustaining player engagement despite a significant initial player base of over 12 million users who had tried the game.
Velan acknowledged the difficulty in attracting and retaining players, a crucial factor in the game’s long-term viability. This setback was part of a broader context that included restructuring and layoffs within the studio following the cancellation of a major external project earlier in the year.
Despite these challenges, Velan Studios remains optimistic about the future, buoyed by the announcement of new projects and their ongoing passion for the Knockout City universe. They stressed the importance of not rushing the development process for any potential sequel or return to the franchise, citing the extensive time and effort invested in crafting the original game over a period of four years.
This measured approach reflects their dedication to delivering quality experiences to their audience, ensuring that any future iterations of Knockout City live up to the community’s expectations when the timing aligns.