Toast Interactive is an Australian company founded in 2016. Indie studios have seen a rise in popularity over the past decade. While Sony, Nintendo, and many other large game studios have released popular games, many of the most-played titles come from smaller studios. Indie studios are often able to push the envelope and try riskier ideas that often resonate with fans. This was the case with Toast Interactive, most known for Max Mustard and Richie’s Plank Experience. Players fell in love with the experiences and have been looking forward to what is next. However, bad news came from the studio today when they announced they would be closing their offices.
Toast Interactive Closes Offices
Last November, the studio made minor lay-offs, letting go of ten employees. The reasoning was that sustaining such a large staff was proving too difficult. Toast Interactive hoped this would alleviate some of the financial stress. It does not seem like it did. Co-founders Toni and Richard Eastes shared another message today on social media explaining they would be making further cuts and closing their offices.
“It’s a heartbreaking decision that we never wanted to make. The majority of our talented staff have suffered redundancies and we will assist where we can with their journey.
“We’re incredibly grateful and proud of everything the team has accomplished. So much talent and passion went into the creation of Max Mustard and every single accolade speaks volumes.”
“We will continue to improve Richie’s Plank Experience and Max Mustard with a leaner approach. We want to thank and acknowledge everyone who has been part of our journey at Toast.”
The co-founders also stated that Richie’s Plank Experience will likely be released on PSVR2, putting the odds at “99%.” Still, this is sad news to come from the studio. Outside of feeling bad for people losing their jobs, Toast Interactive has shown they can make awesome games. Players will not be able to see all the things this studio had in store for the future. This speaks to how difficult it is to sustain success in the gaming industry.
Tough To Sustain Success
Toast Interactive had two hits on its hands, and it still is to the point of closing its offices and laying off most of its staff. Making games is expensive and time-consuming. It makes what most indie studios do even more impressive. These studios operate on skeleton teams, and one wrong move means the closing of their doors.
To be clear, this studio might not be totally going away. There is simply some major reorganizing happening at the beginning of this year. The hope is the studio can rework its strategy and continue to make quality indie games. More information is likely coming down the road so stay tuned to Total Apex Gaming for all the breaking news about all things gaming.
