Reigns developer Nerial closes after 13 years
Nerial, the studio behind Reigns and Card Shark, is shutting down. Devolver Digital keeps the rights to its back catalogue.
Nerial, the studio behind Reigns and Card Shark, has announced it is closing and entering what it calls "hibernation mode." The shutdown ends 13 years of development and 11 published games.
Founders Tamara Alliot and François Alliot said the decision to end development and close the studio was made together with Devolver Digital. Devolver will retain the rights to Nerial's existing catalogue.
All nine Nerial employees, including the founders, will seek new opportunities. The founders said they plan to keep making games and return to their roots after a break.
Background
Devolver acquired Nerial in 2021. Last year, the team was cut by 40% to address issues around recent releases and better shape the studio for future projects.
A recent Companies House fiscal report showed two years of significant trading losses, with the studio becoming dependent on financial support from Devolver. Nerial lost over £800,000 in 2025 and nearly £1 million in 2024, according to that report.
The closure was reported by gamesindustry.biz.
Quick answers
What games did Nerial make?
Nerial is known for Reigns and Card Shark, and published 11 games over 13 years.
Who owns the Reigns rights now?
Devolver Digital will retain the rights to Nerial's existing catalogue.
What happens to Nerial's staff?
All nine employees, including founders Tamara Alliot and François Alliot, will seek new opportunities.