Roll7's Acclaimed Skating Games Face Uncertain Future After Publisher Sale

In a surprising turn of events, two highly praised skating games from the British developer Roll7 have been removed from major digital platforms. Following the closure of Roll7 and the sale of its publisher Private Division last year, OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome are no longer available for purchase on Steam and Xbox Store. While these titles can still be found on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, their future availability remains uncertain. This development has raised concerns among fans and industry observers alike.

Details of the Delisting

In the autumn of 2024, news emerged that Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of both Roll7 and Private Division, had closed down Roll7 and another studio, Intercept Games. The majority of Private Division's staff were also laid off. Initially, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick denied these closures, but by November, the company confirmed the shutdowns and revealed that Private Division had been sold to an undisclosed buyer. The buyer acquired the rights to "substantially all" of Private Division’s live and unreleased titles. However, the fate of older games like OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome remains unclear.

The delisting of these games from Steam and Xbox appears to be part of the transition as their rights are transferred to the new owner. For now, players can still purchase OlliOlli World from the PlayStation and Nintendo stores, while Rollerdrome is available on PlayStation. The temporary unavailability on other platforms could simply be a transitional issue.

Both OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome have garnered significant acclaim for their innovative gameplay. OlliOlli World offers a challenging yet rewarding sandbox skateboarding experience, while Rollerdrome combines roller-skating with intense shooter mechanics, creating a thrilling and unique gaming experience. Fans hope that these games will remain accessible in the long term.

From a journalist's perspective, this situation highlights the precarious nature of the video game industry, where the closure of studios and changes in ownership can have immediate and sometimes unforeseen impacts on beloved titles. It underscores the importance of preserving and maintaining access to quality games for players who cherish them. Let us hope that the new owner recognizes the value of these games and ensures their continued availability for future generations of gamers.