Warren Spector's recently launched co-op game, Thick As Thieves, is ceasing further content updates after only two months on the market. Jeff Hickman, director on the game, shared the news in an update, stating that "ongoing development of extra content, modes and systems is not a viable path" for the studio. This decision comes as a result of significant layoffs at developer OtherSide Entertainment, which has reportedly dwindled to fewer than ten employees.
Thick As Thieves, which released in late May, aimed to capture the spirit of Spector's acclaimed Thief series but with a focus on cooperative play and loot gathering. While it retained elements like noise meters and stealth mechanics, its design was more pared down than its immersive sim predecessors, featuring larger maps and less challenging enemies. This approach, combined with a low price point, positioned the game as a more accessible, cross-generational experience, a direction Spector has explored previously with titles like the Epic Mickey series.
Despite the distinguished pedigree of its creator, the game joins a growing list of online and live-service titles struggling to maintain player engagement and developer support. The update acknowledges the heartbreaking nature of working in the gaming industry, highlighting the difficult reality OtherSide Entertainment is facing. The remaining team and publisher Megabit are reportedly exploring options to keep servers online, potentially through a transition to peer-to-peer fan servers if official support is discontinued. The developer stressed that the solo-player mode will remain unaffected, even though the game was not primarily designed for single-player experiences.
The challenges faced by Thick As Thieves underscore the precarious nature of live-service games, where immediate player counts can significantly impact a title's longevity. While Thick As Thieves operated on a more modest scope, its swift conclusion reflects a broader trend of intense scrutiny and high stakes for multiplayer-focused games in the current market.