Skybound commences work on Telltale’s The Walking Dead

Skybound Games will announce the release dates of Telltale Games’ two remaining The Walking Dead: The Final Season episodes "soon" as the "talented, passionate team members who originally worked on the game [have resumed] development efforts".

After the collapse of Telltale Games, Robert Kirkman’s company Skybound Games stepped in with the ambition for Clementine’s final story to be finished by a team "staffed 100% by former Telltale staff".

"Thank you for your patience while we worked with Telltale to take control of Telltale’s The Walking Dead," Skybound’s Sally Jacka said in an update on the developer’s official website. "It’s been a ton of work logistically and legally to get us to a place where we’re able to roll up our sleeves and get to the actual work. After Telltale shut its doors, the game was, unfortunately, unable to be worked on and hence the release dates of Episodes 3 and 4 have been delayed. But, we’re excited to let you know that many of the talented, passionate team members who originally worked on the game are resuming development efforts today!"

"Soon, we will be announcing release dates for the two remaining episodes. It’s likely that previous seasons of the game may be unavailable to purchase for a few days as we transition—but don’t panic!—we’ll have everything back online ASAP. If you already purchased Season Four, you will NOT have to pay again; future episodes will be available to download as soon as they are released via your original point of purchase."

Telltale Games laid off the majority of its staff in a ‘majority studio closure’ back in September. 25 employees remained at the company, though most projects have reportedly – understandably – been cancelled, and subsequent reports suggest even the skeleton crew have now been let go. The layoffs were confirmed via a tweet on the official Telltale Games account, blaming a year ‘marked by insurmountable challenges’ for the decision.

A former Telltale Games employee subsequently launched a class action lawsuit against the company, claiming it violated California’s WARN Act in not giving those let go at least 60 days notice before termination. The case was brought by Vernie Roberts, Jr. and is on behalf of all those impacted by Telltale’s redundancies. Telltale is alleged to have failed to adhere to a number of its financial commitments to employees, including salaries, bonuses, commissions, holiday pay, and more for the 60 days following terminations.

Prospective claimants were recently contacted by letter as Telltale went into a process known as assignment proceedings. Similar to bankruptcy, it permits anyone purporting to have a claim against the company to come forward. It showed Telltale selling off all of its assets, including physical goods and furniture, trademarks, copyrights, software, and source code. Subsequently, some Telltale Games were removed from Steam as the developer/publisher winds down.