Comcept, the studio known for creating the controversial game Mighty No. 9, has officially shut down. Founded in 2010 by Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune, the studio’s dissolution was reported by Kanpo, a Japanese business newspaper. After being merged into Level 5 Comcept in 2017, Comcept struggled to recover from the mixed reception of Mighty No. 9, which was funded via Kickstarter but ultimately criticized for its gameplay and technical issues upon release. The news marks the end of the brand, leaving many backers disappointed as the promised 3DS version of the game was ultimately canceled, ensuring that the hopes for a turnaround remain unrealized. Despite its failures, Comcept was involved in the development of Recore, another title that received lukewarm reviews.

What led to the shutdown of Comcept?

The closure of Comcept stemmed from its struggles following the release of critically panned titles like Mighty No. 9, compounded by a lack of successful projects and eventual integration into Level 5 Comcept, culminating in its final dissolution.

Mighty No. 9 was heavily marketed as a spiritual successor to Mega Man, promising to bring back the classic platforming action. It raised over $4 million on Kickstarter in 2013 but ultimately failed to deliver on player expectations, leading to much disappointment among fans. The game's failure has long been attributed to its poor execution and lack of identity, serving as a cautionary tale for crowdfunding in the gaming industry.