California-based video game company Hidden Variable Studios has announced that it will no longer be involved in the development of Skullgirls Mobile, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, or any other projects related to the Skullgirls IP.
This decision follows a dispute with publisher Autumn Games, which has now escalated into a legal battle filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Due to the ongoing litigation, the studio has stated that it will not be making further comments until the matter is resolved.
While the announcement was made on March 6th, Hidden Variable Studios confirmed that it actually stepped away from development on January 21st, 2025, almost two months ago.
Following Hidden Variable Studios’ departure from Skullgirls, Autumn Games reassured fans that the game’s development would keep going. The publisher addressed concerns about the changes in its official statement and confirmed to be “fully committed to building its future”.
From the complaint filed on the 5th of March, 2025, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Hidden Variable Studios is suing Autumn Games over claims of breach of contract, anticipatory breach of contract, and failure to act in good faith.
Claiming that it still owes them money for their work, the lawsuit suggests Autumn Games has missed multiple payments since November. HVS is now seeking over $1.2 million in unpaid services and damages.
For more than ten years, Hidden Variable Studios worked on Skullgirls Mobile, added new characters and platforms to 2nd Encore, and supported the competitive scene through the Skullgirls Championship Series. The studio also contributed to projects like the Skullgirls Webtoon.
