From almost out of nowhere, word came earlier today that Junction Point Studios, the Warren Spector-helmed studio that produced both Epic Mickey 1 & 2, has been shut down.
The studio, formed back in 2005 by Spector and several other individuals from Ion Storm, where Spector crafted the games that he's mostly known for (Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows), was acquired by Disney two years later.
The first game together was the original Epic Mickey, which managed to sell 1.3 million copies in its first month, according to Ars Technica, despite reviews that were mixed at best. The second title resolved many of its issues (while creating a few new ones in the process), though it wasn't enough to repeat part 1's financial success.
According to Joystiq, 529,000 copies of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, roughly half of the first installment, was sold. Which is much better than previous numbers cited. Yet, given how much Disney invested in the game, it's clear that they were unhappy with the returns.
The following is Spector's goodbye letter, which he posted on his Facebook page not too long ago:
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!
