Controversial streamer Dr Disrespect's game studio, Midnight Society, is shutting down. This closure comes just four months after significant layoffs rocked the company.  Coincidentally, the announcement aligns with Google lifting the monetization ban on Dr Disrespect's YouTube channel, a penalty imposed last year after he admitted to "inappropriate" conduct with a minor.

Founded in 2021 by Dr Disrespect and former Call of Duty community manager Robert Bowling, Midnight Society unveiled its debut game, the free-to-play vertical extraction shooter *Deadrop*, the following year. Development on *Deadrop* has been ongoing.  However, 2024 has been a tumultuous year for the studio, stemming from Dr Disrespect's admission of exchanging messages with a minor in 2017, which he acknowledged went "too far in the wrong direction."

When allegations concerning Dr Disrespect's actions first surfaced, Bowling and Midnight Society quickly distanced themselves. However, the studio seemingly couldn't weather the ensuing storm. Last September, citing "multiple unforeseen challenges in recent months," Midnight Society announced substantial layoffs.  Now, the studio faces closure.

“Today, we announce the closure of Midnight Society after an incredible three-year journey. During this time, an amazing team of 55 developers contributed to our new IP, *Deadrop*," the studio stated on social media.  They added they are "actively working to find other game studios interested in providing employment opportunities for our talented team members."

“We extend our sincere gratitude to every community member," the developers concluded. “We deeply apologize for falling short of our ultimate goal.”

The closure of Midnight Society coincides with Google's decision to reinstate monetization on Dr Disrespect's YouTube channel. The channel was initially demonetized in June of last year following Dr Disrespect's admission.  While Dr Disrespect attempted to retract his statement a month before appealing in October, claiming the messages were a "joke," Google upheld the ban.  Now, the tech giant has reversed its decision.

“Dr Disrespect was previously suspended from the YouTube Partner Program for violating our Creator Responsibility policies," Google stated in a comment to games media. “Creators suspended from the program are eligible to reapply, and after carefully reviewing the channel's recent activity, we’ve reinstated their eligibility.  We will take appropriate action for any future violations.” Google did not elaborate on what had changed since the appeal last year.

“The world's a crazy place, right?” Dr Disrespect remarked during a livestream following YouTube's decision. “On the same day Midnight Society shuts down, we get our monetization back. It’s been a bizarre experience.”