Douze Dixiémes, the studio behind the well-received Metroidvania game MIO: Memories in Orbit, has reportedly ceased operations. The atmospheric adventure, which launched early in 2026, combined striking sci-fi visuals with engaging action-platforming puzzles and combat. Despite critical praise and a "very positive" user rating on Steam with nearly 2,000 reviews, the studio's closure highlights the precarious financial state of many independent game developers.
MIO: Memories in Orbit followed the studio's 2020 puzzle adventure Shady Part of Me, where Douze Dixiémes leveraged its animation and cinematic expertise to create visually rich environments. The ambition of MIO: Memories in Orbit was significantly greater, presenting a 2.5D side-scrolling experience where players control the robot MIO navigating a desolate colony ship populated by other automatons. The game drew comparisons to titles like Hollow Knight and Gris, achieving scores in the 80s on Metacritic and earning acclaim as one of the year's more unique Metroidvanias.
Despite its positive reception, MIO: Memories in Orbit did not achieve the widespread breakout success that might have secured its developers' future. Publisher Focus Entertainment is expected to retain the rights to the game, but the team responsible for its creation will not have the opportunity to develop a follow-up. This situation serves as a stark illustration of the intense competition within the gaming industry, where even critically successful titles can struggle to gain enough traction to sustain their creators.
The struggles of Douze Dixiémes are not isolated. Reports indicate that other established French studios such as Quantic Dream, Don’t Nod, and Nacon's development teams are also facing financial difficulties. This downturn appears to be exacerbated by venture capital and major tech companies, including those from China, reducing their investment in the gaming sector, leaving many studios, even those with a strong track record, in a precarious position.