adminThe Nerial closure marks the end of a 13-year run for the studio behind Reigns and Card Shark. Its founders say development is ending after discussions with parent company Devolver, while the studio moves into what they describe as a period of hibernation. Devolver will retain the rights to Nerial’s existing games.
Image credit: Nerial/Devolver
Nerial closure follows significant financial losses
Studio founders CEO Tamara Alliot and creative director François Alliot announced the decision, noting that Nerial had released 11 games over 13 years. Devolver acquired the studio in 2021. In the previous year, Nerial’s team was reduced by 40%, with the change described as a response to challenges around recent releases and an effort to shape the team for future projects.
A recent Companies House financial report recorded significant trading losses in both 2024 and 2025. Nerial lost nearly £1 million in 2024 and more than £800,000 in 2025. The report also indicated that the studio had become dependent on financial support from Devolver.
For readers following the business side of game development, these figures provide context for the closure. They do not, on their own, explain every factor behind the decision; the founders have also discussed the creative and organizational challenges of working as part of a larger publisher.
What happens to Nerial’s games and employees?
Devolver will keep the rights to Nerial’s existing catalogue, so the closure does not mean that the games are being removed or that their ownership is returning to the founders. The studio’s best-known titles include Reigns and Card Shark.
Nerial has nine employees, including its founders. The team will look for new opportunities, and the founders have recommended their colleagues to studios seeking experienced game developers. François Alliot said he hopes some former team members may be able to work with him as contractors in the future, but he cannot currently keep them as salaried employees.
Practical takeaway: Players interested in Nerial’s existing titles should check the relevant game store or platform for current availability and support information. The announcement confirms that Devolver retains the catalogue rights, but does not set out specific plans for future updates.
Founders plan to reassess their next steps
Tamara and François Alliot intend to continue making games and return to their independent roots. Before starting another project, they plan to take a break and reflect on the studio’s experiences. François also said he wants time to reconsider what he wants from his independent career.
He cited wider pressures affecting the video game industry, including the post-COVID downturn and concerns about artificial intelligence, as part of the difficult environment for development. He described stepping back as a way to rebuild on stronger foundations rather than immediately committing to another large team or project.
What the Nerial closure means
The Nerial closure ends the studio’s current development operation, but its existing games remain under Devolver’s ownership. The founders have not announced a new studio or a specific upcoming game. For now, the next steps are a pause for the founders and new opportunities for the team, while players can continue to look to official game listings for availability and support updates.
