Midsummer Studios to Close Its Doors, With a Peek at an Ambitious Game in Progress
A retrospective look at the studio’s efforts reveals the scope of what might have been. Midsummer Studios, founded in May 2024 by a veteran lineup behind titles like Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and The Sims, has announced it will shut down. Co-founder and creative director Jake Solomon shared the news, expressing pride in both the studio and the game they pursued.
Solomon said, “We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I’d like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into.”
Burbank was described as a blend of “Life Sims” and elements reminiscent of The Truman Show, while promising to offer something even deeper. Solomon elaborated on his belief in storytelling: “I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank lets you do that. We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we’ve never experienced. And for an old game developer like me that’s special.”
Pre-Alpha Footage
— Watch the footage below to get a sense of the project’s vision and what could have been.
