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The Outsiders Closes, Ending a Decade of Rhythm-Driven Innovation
A Unique Fusion of Rhythm and FPS
When Metal: Hellsinger launched, it carved out a niche few could have predicted. The hybrid of first-person shooting and rhythm gameplay, where players synced attacks to a ferocious metal soundtrack, stood apart from traditional shooters. With guest vocals from industry legends such as Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tatiana Shmayluk (Jinjer), and Matt Heafy (Trivium), the game became a cult hit among both metal fans and FPS enthusiasts.
At the heart of the project was The Outsiders, a small Swedish studio founded in 2015. Their journey was anything but smooth. Following the cancellation of their earlier project Darkborn, the team channelled their creativity into Metal: Hellsinger, proving that innovation and persistence could still triumph in a crowded industry.
Official Closure Confirmed
Sadly, that journey has now come to an end. Funcom has confirmed the official closure of The Outsiders, as part of a wider round of company layoffs. The announcement was shared through the studio’s social media channels, marking the end of nearly a decade of independent spirit and creative risk-taking.
The timing of the news has sparked frustration among fans, particularly since Funcom had recently celebrated progress on its upcoming MMO Dune: Awakening. Many within the community viewed the layoffs as a sign of broader instability within the company, despite its public optimism about future releases.
Hints of a New Beginning
Despite the closure, The Outsiders’ farewell post struck a hopeful tone. The team hinted at a “mysterious project” they still hope to pursue independently, suggesting that some members may continue collaborating under a new banner.
No further details have been revealed, but long-time supporters are already speculating that this new venture could build on the studio’s signature combination of music, rhythm, and kinetic action.
The Outsiders’ story may have ended as a studio, but the creative spark that fuelled Metal: Hellsinger appears far from extinguished. For fans of its rhythm-driven chaos, the hope is that this isn’t a full stop — just a pause before the next beat.
