Polyarc, the Seattle studio behind the acclaimed Moss games, is shutting down. The company posted the news on LinkedIn, announcing it is ceasing operations starting today, September 11, 2026, after 12 years.
The farewell message was brief but warm. “After nearly 12 years riding the joyous rollercoaster of emotions that is making video games, our time together has come to an end,” the post read. “As we wind down active development, we are saying our farewells to each other.”
The Numbers Behind the Studio
Polyarc developed and published its first title, Moss VR, in 2018. The action-adventure puzzle game stars a small mouse named Quill in a fantastical world. Critics responded warmly. IGN gave it an 8.5/10, calling Quill and her world “instantly likable” and praising how the game “makes stellar use of VR.”
The studio followed up with Moss: Book 2 in 2022, earning an 8/10 from IGN. That review noted the game “builds upon its predecessor nicely with a captivating world and entertaining platforming, let down primarily by the PSVR’s aging tech.” A non-VR version of both games, Moss: The Forgotten Relic, was released just two months ago in July 2026. IGN scored it 8/10 again, calling it “an incredibly charming fairy tale” that felt “very smooth” despite breaking free of its VR-only past.
The Team Behind the Games
The post closed with a call for talent. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey,” Polyarc signed off, encouraging game developers to hire members of its team. The full list shared with the message totals 29 names, including artists, designers, animation experts, engineers, and more.
“Thank you to everyone at Polyarc, our work is now finished. Polyarc has been home to exceptional developers across all disciplines.”
What Happens Next
The fate of any future projects is now unclear.
Other Studios Closing in 2026
Polyarc is far from alone. PlayStation’s Bluepoint Games and Dark Outlaw Games were both shut down earlier this year. Ubisoft announced it was closing some of its studios in June. Netflix shuttered Oxenfree developer Night School last month. GreedFall developer Spiders shut down in April. Microsoft announced plans to cut 3,200 staff in July.
A Decade of Critical Acclaim
Polyarc built its reputation on quality, not quantity. The studio released three major games across a decade, each scoring in the mid eights on IGN. That consistency is notable in an industry where many studios release multiple titles a year.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Moss VR | 2018 |
| Moss: Book 2 | 2022 |
| Moss: The Forgotten Relic | July 2026 |
The Uneasy Verdict
Polyarc’s shutdown is a shock. The studio had a strong critical record. Its games consistently earned solid scores and praise for their craftsmanship.
The timing is striking. The studio is closing just two months after releasing its latest version, a non-VR remake of Moss and its sequel.
Polyarc’s farewell message was warm, but the news is unsettling. The studio’s work is now finished, and the company that made it has closed its doors.
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