Local Game Studio Vigil to Close

The death throes have subsided for gaming developer and publisher THQ which filed for bankruptcy last month. The studios that comprise it have largely been sold off in an auction, but local studio Vigil did not make the sale, leaving it to linger in Chapter 11 limbo.

In a letter sent from management to its employees, THQ detailed the various buyers for the company's various studios. With Vigil not on that list, the letter continues:

"Some assets, including our publishing businesses and Vigil, along with some other intellectual properties are not included in the sale agreements. They will remain part of the Chapter 11 case. We will make every effort to find appropriate buyers, if possible."

You can try to wade your way trough the legalese of the bankruptcy documents, but the Twitter feeds of Vigil employees tell the tale much more succinctly. Lead designer Haydn Dalton said, "It's a wrap." Ben Cureton, Vigil's lead combat designer, tweeted, "Anyone looking for a designer?"

Vigil released Darksiders 2 last year and was working on an unannounced project when THQ declared bankruptcy and put the studio's future in jeopardy. THQ originally hoped to sell all of its holdings to one buyer, but the bank figured it could get more money if it put the company's individual studios up for auction.

Jobs in the gaming industry are being unofficially compiled to assist those laid off from THQ. Check out that Google Doc and add any job openings you come by in your travels across the internet. Sorrows are being drowned at Mister Tramps tomorrow for those who are interested. Check out the Facebook event page for more info.