Skullgirls Developer Legal Dispute

Image: Autumn Games

Hidden Variable, the developer behind Skullgirls Mobile, has announced its withdrawal from all Skullgirls-related projects, including Skullgirls Mobile and 2nd Encore, due to a legal dispute with publisher Autumn Games. The announcement came through a statement posted on social media platforms. Legal action has been initiated against the publisher since January 21st, with claims of breach of contract over failed payments exceeding $1.2 million.

Hidden Variable Statement Regarding Skullgirls Development
As of January 21st, 2025, Hidden Variable is no longer involved in the development of Skullgirls Mobile, 2nd Encore, or other Skullgirls IP-related efforts due to a dispute with Autumn Games which is now the subject of litigation filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. In light of that, we hope you understand that – beyond this statement – we will not be commenting further until this dispute is resolved.
All of us at HVS are incredibly proud of the 10+ years we’ve invested in Skullgirls in all its forms, including creating and supporting Skullgirls Mobile, bringing new characters and platforms to Skullgirls 2nd Encore, supporting the competitive community via the Skullgirls Championship Series, and helping fans new and old fall in love with the IP through the Skullgirls Webtoon and countless other partnerships.
Most of all, we’re grateful to have been able to celebrate and support the incomparable Skullgirls community – many of whom we’ve been fortunate to meet in person over the years at various events.
Thank you all for everything – you deserve nothing but the best.
Hidden Variable Studios

In response, Autumn Games released a statement on Twitter emphasizing its commitment to the Skullgirls franchise and announced the upcoming addition of Guilds in the game later this year without directly addressing the dispute.

An Update on Skullgirls from Autumn Games — *Image: @sgmobile*

The history of Skullgirls has been marred by various controversies, with the original developer Reverge Labs transforming into Lab Zero Games after layoffs in 2012. The game evolved with the Encore edition, later becoming 2nd Encore. In 2020, allegations and resignations led to Hidden Variable and the publisher cutting ties with Lab Zero, followed by the formation of Future Club to continue development alongside Hidden Variable.

At present, Hidden Variable is actively working on Skullgirls Mobile and a new, original title as stated on the developer’s website.