In Brief
- ChronoForge Shutdown: Minted Loot Studios announces closure of its RPG ChronoForge by December 30, 2025, due to financial challenges and unsuccessful funding efforts.
- Financial Troubles: Despite a favorable user rating of 4.2 on the Epic Store since its early access launch, ChronoForge failed to generate the necessary revenue or secure investment for continuity.
- Shifting Focus: Following the game’s closure, Minted Loot Studios will not pursue new projects as the focus moves away from game development.
Minted Loot Studios confirmed it will end operations for its ambitious multiplayer RPG, ChronoForge, by December 30, 2025. The studio cited protracted financial difficulties and failed attempts at securing additional financial support as primary reasons for the shutdown.
Financial Strains and Unmet Goals
Launched on September 10 in Early Access on the Epic Store, ChronoForge garnered a user rating of 4.2 despite early technical issues. However, it struggled to achieve commercial success. Revenue and investment fell short, prompting Minted Loot Studios to cut its staff by 80% since January and divert personal finances to sustain operations.
A tweet from the ChronoForge official account outlines the efforts and hardships faced:
“Dear Gamers, Against many headwinds, we have kept the project running, including with personal finances from the founders since July and long hours with a team reduced by 80%. We launched our game in Early Access on September 10th and despite bugs earned a 4.2 rating on Epic…”
Behind the Scenes
ChronoForge combined steampunk and time-travel elements, with unique features like community-run Trading Companies which managed things like airship hubs and participated in community engagements like crafting and raids. The game also integrated NFTs with plans for a $CHRONO token, which encountered implementation issues.
The initiative faced not only creative and technical hurdles but financial woes right from the start. The initial budget was around $2 million with a partnership with a Malaysian co-developer. However, extensive modifications in the game systems exhausted funds and delayed essential milestones.
Industry-Wide Downturn
In a detailed account shared on Discord, CEO Dogberto described 2025 as a particularly challenging year across traditional and blockchain gaming sectors. Efforts to secure rescue funding from various VC firms and blockchain networks fell flat, necessitating the shut down.
Conclusion: An Era Ends
Dogberto expressed his gratitude to the community and his team, acknowledging both the emotional and financial burdens imposed by the project’s downfall. He confirmed Minted Loot Studios will not undertake new projects, instead choosing to refocus on personal commitments. He also highlighted the talent in the ChronoForge team, recommending them to prospective employers.
With the server shutdown slated for December 30, all support and in-game transactions will cease, marking the end of the journey for ChronoForge in the gaming world.