Midnight Society Shuts Down Citing “Significant” Layoffs in Dramatic Gaming Industry Turn of Events
Midnight Society Closes its Doors as Google Lifts Dr. Disrespect’s YouTube Ban
The tumultuous journey of Midnight Society, co-founded by popular streamer Guy "Dr. Disrespect" Beahm, has come to an end. The news follows a turbulent year, marked by "significant" layoffs in September, and now, the studio is shutting down, citing "multiple unexpected challenges."
A Stormy Year for Midnight Society
Founded in 2021 by Beahm and former Call of Duty community manager Robert Bowling, Midnight Society aimed to create engaging gaming experiences. Their first title, free-to-play vertical extraction shooter Deaddrop, was announced in 2022, but development faced numerous hurdles.
In 2024, Beahm’s controversial behavior with a minor led to his Twitch ban. The situation only worsened when Beahm admitted to exchanging inappropriate messages with a minor. Midnight Society initially distanced themselves from their co-founder, but the damage was already done. The studio was forced to announce "significant" layoffs in September, citing "multiple unexpected challenges."
A New Chapter for Dr. Disrespect
In a bizarre twist, Google has lifted its suspension on Beahm’s YouTube channel, allowing him to monetize his content once again. The decision comes after Beahm’s attempts to downplay the severity of his actions and his subsequent suspension.
While Beahm expressed gratitude in a recent stream, "It’s like… what a fucking weird world, huh? On the day that Midnight Society closes, we get monetization. What a fucking trip," the timing raises more questions than answers.
The Impact on Midnight Society’s Team
The studio’s closure will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its 55 developers, who were working on Deaddrop. In a statement, the studio expressed their gratitude to the community and apologized for not reaching their ultimate goal.
"We are announcing that Midnight Society will be closing its doors after three incredible years, with an amazing team of 55 developers contributing to our new IP, Deaddrop. We are actively seeking other game studios that would be interested in offering employment opportunities to our talented team members."
The Aftermath
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with the consequences of Beahm’s actions, the shutdown of Midnight Society serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and accountability in the gaming community. The future of Deaddrop remains uncertain, but the fate of the studio’s team members and Beahm’s ongoing involvement in the industry hang precariously in the balance.
Key Takeaways:
- Midnight Society, co-founded by Dr. Disrespect, is shutting down due to "multiple unexpected challenges."
- Google has lifted its suspension on Beahm’s YouTube channel, allowing him to monetize his content once again.
- The studio’s closure will affect 55 developers working on Deaddrop.
- Beahm expressed gratitude in a recent stream, saying, "What a fucking weird world, huh? On the day that Midnight Society closes, we get monetization. What a fucking trip."
