News - Ivy Road Studios Bids Farewell: Wanderstop Creator Closes Its Doors

Ivy Road Studios, acclaimed for last year's narrative shop simulator, Wanderstop, is unfortunately closing its doors on March 31. The announcement was made late last week, leaving a mark on their community and fans. Founded by the visionary Davey Wreden, creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide, Ivy Road found itself in financial turbulence. A heartfelt message from the team on their website details the struggles they faced in securing funds for their upcoming project, Engine Angel. Financial realities have forced this decision, reflecting broader struggles in the gaming industry's funding landscape. 'While a dire fundraising climate wasn't unexpected, it remains a blow we weren't prepared for,' the post sorrowfully explains. A teaser video promised a new, whimsical car combat experience but will unfortunately go unrealized. Wanderstop fans can take solace in knowing the game will continue to be accessible for purchase and enjoyment. Ivy Road has one last surprise for Wanderstop that Annapurna Interactive will reveal, ensuring fans are not left in the lurch. Ahead of their closure, Ivy Road released a special chapter select code to enhance the player experience and provide a cheat-sheet for those navigating its magical world. This code can be activated on the main menu screen by following a sequence on the d-pad: UP, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP, B (RMB), UP, RIGHT, DOWN, LEFT, UP, B (RMB), UP, DOWN, UP. Wanderstop invites players into the world of Alta, a retired warrior adapting to life as a tea shop owner in an enchanting forest. Beyond its cozy mechanics—ingredient gathering and customer management—the game thrives on a narrative focus that explores Alta's journey and mental health after her past battles. Reflecting on this, Executive Editor Kyle Hilliard awarded Wanderstop a commendable 8 out of 10, stating, 'Wanderstop stands as an admirable use of typical game conventions infused with introspective, humorous storytelling. Following Alta's progress and learning her story resonates deeply and encourages personal reflection.' This heartfelt response underscores the community's connection to Ivy Road's work.