The popular fighting game Skullgirls has encountered a significant setback. Hidden Variable Studios (HVS), the developer responsible for the mobile spinoff, has officially ended its involvement with the project due to a financial dispute with publisher Autumn Games.

The original Skullgirls, a 2D tag-team fighting game inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom 2, launched in 2012 to critical acclaim.  Its unique gameplay, allowing players to control single characters or teams of two or three, offered a diverse range of combat styles and strategic team building.

HVS later developed Skullgirls Mobile, released in 2020, and also contributed to the updated console and PC version, Skullgirls 2nd Encore. Their work spanned porting to new platforms, creating ongoing content updates, and even assisting with the IP's webtoon.

However, the relationship between HVS and Autumn Games has deteriorated.  HVS has filed a lawsuit against Autumn Games in the Los Angeles Superior Court, citing breach of contract and unpaid dues exceeding $1.2 million. According to court documents, Autumn Games allegedly withheld payments due between November 2024 and January 2025, as well as anticipated payments through March.

After attempts to settle the debt failed, HVS relinquished control of Skullgirls Mobile to Autumn Games. In a public statement, HVS expressed gratitude to the Skullgirls community and pride in their decade-long contribution to the franchise.

Autumn Games CEO Jason Donnell assured fans that support for Skullgirls would continue, with the company taking over development responsibilities.  He stated that Autumn Games had already been working on new features, including guilds, slated for release this year.

The Skullgirls community has reacted with mixed emotions. Some expressed satisfaction with HVS's departure, while others voiced concern about the future of the game and its content updates.  Reverge Labs, the original developer of Skullgirls, has yet to comment on the legal battle.

The future of the Skullgirls franchise hangs in the balance as this legal dispute unfolds. While Autumn Games has committed to continuing development, the loss of HVS raises questions about the direction and pace of future updates.  The community eagerly awaits further developments and hopes for a resolution that preserves the beloved fighting game.