Acclaimed puzzle game studio Zachtronics will release its final game next month

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The studio produced hits including Opus Magnum and SpaceChem

Opus Magnum
(Image credit: Zachtronics)

Popular indie developer Zachtronics will release what will be its final new game next month.

In an interview with Kotaku, the studio's founder Zach Barth said, "We're wrapping things up!" Before the studio closes its doors for good, it has two final projects in the works: a new game that's aptly named Last Call BBS, launching on July 5, and a collection of its various solitaire games, set to release before the end of the year.  

"After that, the team will disband," says Barth. "We all have different ideas, interests, tolerances for risk, and so on, so we're still figuring out what we want to do next." Rather than a decision that's been forced upon it, this is something that the developer is doing on its own terms, which Barth says "feels pretty good".

Barth founded Zachtronics in 2000 and the studio built a reputation for itself with acclaimed puzzle games such as TIS-100 and SpaceChem. While most of Zachtronics' back catalogue consists of puzzlers, it's occasionally delved into other genres. 2013 saw the release of the strategy title Ironclad Tactics, and one of its more recent offerings is a visual novel called Eliza. 

As for the reason behind the closure, Barth explains that he and the team felt that it was time for a change. "While we got very good at making 'Zachtronics games' over the last twelve years, it was hard for us to make anything else." Following the news of the studio's closure, fans have been showing their appreciation for the developer's efforts. "Since we announced that Last Call BBS is going to be our last game, I've gotten countless emails from fans thanking us for the games we've made". 

Check out all the new games for 2022 and beyond to add to your wishlist now. 

Anne-Marie Ostler
Anne-Marie Ostler
Freelance Writer

Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2014 to pursue a Games Journalism and PR degree at Staffordshire University. Following that, I've freelanced for GamesMaster, Games TM, Official PlayStation Magazine and, more recently, Play and GamesRadar+. My love of gaming sprang from successfully defeating that first Goomba in Super Mario Bros on the NES. These days, PlayStation is my jam. When not gaming or writing, I can usually be found scouring the internet for anything Tomb Raider related to add to my out of control memorabilia collection.