Nerial closes after 13 years following severe financial losses

British game developer Nerial is ending operations, laying off its remaining staff, and entering hibernation mode, according to Game Developer and GamesIndustry.biz. Studio co-founders François and Tamara Alliot announced the decision in a social media statement after 13 years and 11 published games. [1][2]

GamesIndustry.biz reported that a recent financial report indicates Nerial lost nearly 1 million pounds in 2024 and over 800,000 pounds in 2025. The studio decided together with parent company Devolver Digital to end development. Devolver Digital, which acquired Nerial in 2021, will retain the rights to the studio's existing games. [2]

Nerial was best known for developing the 2016 strategy game Reigns, published by Devolver Digital, alongside titles such as Card Shark and The Crush House, Game Developer and GamesIndustry.biz noted. In Reigns, players control a medieval monarch by swiping on cards to make choices that manage the kingdom's balance. [1][2][7]

The studio's co-founders confirmed that all active game development has ended. Players will still be able to access existing titles through publisher Devolver Digital. [1][2]