Gearbox acquires the IP for roguelike classic Risk of Rain, plans a free-to-play mobile spinoff with a new developer, and abruptly cancels the project before its release.

Gearbox Publishing has decided to halt development on its upcoming mobile game Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds before its official release.

After acquiring the rights to the Risk of Rain IP last November, the Borderlands studio unveiled plans for a free-to-play gacha game for mobile devices. Despite spending six months in regional Early Access on various mobile platforms, the game failed to gain traction in the gaming market. Consequently, Gearbox Publishing has announced the discontinuation of development on the game, leaving the future of the Risk of Rain IP uncertain.

An announcement on the official Discord channel of the game stated, “As we look ahead to the future of the Risk of Rain franchise, we have made the decision to cease development on Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds.” The game will be removed from all storefronts on June 29, rendering it inaccessible even to those who already have it installed on their mobile devices.

During the transition period leading up to the removal of the game, Gearbox Publishing aims to provide players with the best possible experience by disabling premium currency purchases, reducing prices for most items in the store, and implementing other “economy changes” to enhance player value.

Regarding refunds and related matters, Gearbox Publishing has directed players to Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Although the exact reason for the abrupt cancellation remains unclear, it is likely that the game did not meet the company’s financial expectations. Despite the initial goal of attracting new players to the franchise and expanding its audience, Risk of Rain fans were disappointed by the mobile game’s release, prompting Gearbox Publishing to cut its losses after six months.

Discover why Risk of Rain 2 was ranked as one of the best roguelike games ever.