UPDATE: Warren Spector, Junction Point Studios co-founder and president, has written an open letter on Facebook commentating on the closing of Junction Point.
Here’s Spector’s letter, word for word:
“Yes, it’s true. The Junction Point journey is over. To all those who’ve asked, or want to ask, I’m sad but excited for the future.
JPS had a good eight year run. I got to work with some amazing people on some amazing projects. I’ve had some of the most magical times of my life, fulfilling several life-long dreams. I’ve gotten to know Disney fans and Disney cast members, gotten hands on with Disney’s history, walked where Walt walked… “Magical” really is the only word.
But now it’s time to… (Man, I almost said, “now it’s time to say goodbye to all our fa-mi-ly…” Which would have led me right to “M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E!”). Let’s just say, now it’s time to move on to the next adventure. I honestly don’t know what that will be yet, so don’t ask. (And while we’re on the subject of asking, if you’re a journalist, don’t bother – all press inquiries go to Brian Nelson and Carrie Davis over at Disney.)
Anyway, whatever you think of me, or Junction Point, or Disney or the Disney Epic Mickey games – yes, I know we polarized people! – I’ll always look back on the last eight years with nothing but pride. Rarely have I worked with a team more dedicated or harder working. Never have I been part of a game – of anything, really – that touched people at as deep or personal a level as the Epic Mickey games. That’s priceless.
I said to myself as Junction Point embarked on the Epic Mickey journey that, worst case, we’d be “a footnote in Disney history.” Looking back on it, I think we did far better than that. With Mickey Mouse as our hero, we introduced a mainstream audience to some cool “core game” concepts… and, most especially, we restored Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to a place of prominence.
WE did that.
Junction Point.
I’ll always be grateful to Disney for that opportunity, to the folks who helped out along the way in Glendale, on the studio lot in Burbank, at the parks in Anaheim and Orlando and Paris, at Disney offices around the world and at Pixar. (You know who you are!) I’m grateful to the Disney fans, bloggers and historians who embraced me, the team and our work – that was huge. And, most especially, I’ll always be grateful to the folks – the family – at Junction Point who did all the real work.
I’ll see all of you in the future!”
ORIGINAL STORY: After disappointing sales for Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Disney has decided to close down Junction Point Studios. The developer was headed by Warren Spector and also created the original Epic Mickey for the corporate juggernaut.
Disney’s reasoning behind closing down the studio was that of its continuous effort to keep up with the fast-evolving gaming platforms and marketplace (i.e. mobile devices and digital distribution).
“It was with much sadness that we informed our teams today of changes to our Games organization, which include the closure of Junction Point Studios,” a Disney spokesperson announced. “We’re extremely grateful to Warren Spector and the Junction Point team for their creative contributions to Disney with Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey 2.”
It has been confirmed that Spector has left Disney Interactive, the overarching parent gaming company of Junction Point, following the studio’s closure. The staff, which was numbered at 120 in early 2012, had mostly been on paid leave since the release of Epic Mickey 2 in November. After the employees were given the news during a meeting this morning, they were seen leaving the studio with their personal effects.
Spector and the studio had plans for a third entry in the Epic Mickey series, but lackluster sales for the sequel in combination with the company’s reasons given above sealed the developer’s fate.
How do you feel about the closing of Junction Point? Did you want to see Epic Mickey 3? Let us know in the comments.
[Polygon]
