Human Element dev Robotoki shuts down

US developer Robotoki has been shut down after it could not negotiate a new publishing deal for Human Element.

In November, publisher Nexon cut ties with the studio after the studio’s decision to change its then in-development shooter from free-to-play to a premium game.

At the time, Robotoki founder Robert Bowling had hoped to announce a new deal during December, but could not find a partner to help fund the project. Unable to self-finance the developer until a deal finalised, the studio has now been closed and Human Element put on hiatus.

“We were actively negotiating a publishing deal for the premium version of Human Element but unfortunately I am unable to continue to self-fund the studio until that deal finalises,” said Bowling.

“I want to thank every single person who supported us along this journey. It was an experience of a lifetime, and we learned a lifetime of experience.”