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PC Gamer
PC Gamer
Ted Litchfield

XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, 'the game we poured our hearts into'

Character in canceled game Burbank with pink-blonde hair looking morose.

Midsummer Studios founder and former Firaxis creative director, Jake Solomon, has announced the abrupt closure of Midsummer through a post on X. Solomon also shared a two-minute gameplay video of its life sim, "Burbank," the first public showcase of the planned Sims competitor. We have reached out to Solomon for comment, and will update this story when we hear back.

"We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both," wrote Solomon. "Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I'd like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into. It's like 'Life Sims + The Truman Show,' but it's more than that. I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank lets you do that.

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