"I want room to make a wrong turn": Following Samson dev's bankruptcy, its founder is considering how AI might factor into new studio plans
Samson founder Christofer Sundberg plans a new studio after Liquid Swords' bankruptcy, emphasizing small teams, low costs, and cautious AI use to avoid past mistakes.
Swedish reports confirmed that Samson studio Liquid Swords has filed for bankruptcy less than a year after releasing its debut crimebrawler. Founder Christofer Sundberg acknowledged the closure while affirming his continued commitment to game development. In a LinkedIn post, he outlined plans to launch a new studio, stressing a focus on sustainable business practices and lessons learned from Liquid Swords' challenges. Sundberg emphasized the importance of building a foundation that allows flexibility and risk-taking without jeopardizing the entire company.
Sundberg shared further details in an interview with PC Gamer, describing his vision for the new studio as a small, experienced team with minimal overhead. He highlighted the need for a project that can be completed without relying on overly optimistic sales projections. The developer also underscored the importance of having the freedom to pivot during development, correcting mistakes without catastrophic consequences. This approach aims to address the financial and operational issues that contributed to Liquid Swords' downfall.
Generative AI emerged as a potential tool in the new studio's workflow, with Sundberg noting its role in prototyping, repetitive tasks, and testing. However, he cautioned against using AI to replace roles or cut costs, emphasizing that AI itself is expensive and can introduce new risks. Sundberg stressed that AI should complement human expertise, not substitute for it, and called for more open industry discussions about its appropriate use.
The announcement follows the troubled release of Liquid Swords, which suffered from significant bugs and limitations that hindered its potential. Sundberg's reflections on the experience reflect a commitment to avoiding similar pitfalls in his next venture. While the specifics of the new studio remain undefined, his emphasis on stability, adaptability, and responsible innovation signals a cautious but determined approach to rebuilding his career in game development.