# Reigns developer Nerial enters 'hibernation mode,' lays off staff

DevFeed: [Reigns developer Nerial enters 'hibernation mode,' lays off staff](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/reigns-developer-nerial-enters-hibernation-mode-lays-off-staff-64152.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/nerial-to-enter-hibernation-mode-and-lay-off-developers>)

Author: Bryant Francis

Published: 2026-10-02T21:31:04Z

Content type: news

Language: en

Sources: [Game Developer](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/gamedeveloper.md>)

Topics: [Xbox](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/xbox.md>)

Tags: [announcements](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/announcements.md>), [complex-systems](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/complex-systems.md>), [deep-dives](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/deep-dives.md>), [developer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/developer.md>), [development](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/development.md>), [employees](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/employees.md>), [founders](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/founders.md>), [game](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/game.md>), [game-dev](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/game-dev.md>), [games](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/games.md>), [house](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/house.md>), [industry](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/industry.md>), [layoff](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/layoff.md>), [legacy](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/legacy.md>), [operations](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/operations.md>), [partners](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/partners.md>), [staff](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/staff.md>), [studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/studio.md>)

## AI overview

After 13 years and 11 published games, Nerial is entering "hibernation mode" and ending studio development, a decision made with its partner Devolver Digital. The studio behind Reigns, Card Shark, and The Crush House is laying off its remaining employees; its co-founders praised the team and encouraged other studios to hire them. François and Tamara Alliot said they plan to take a break, reflect, and later return to game development with a new perspective.

## Source excerpt

The studio that gave birth to Reigns is ending operations--for now.