Tequila Works declares bankruptcy

The Spanish indie industry woke up to a significant loss: Tequila Works, the studio behind Rime, was officially declared bankrupt. The news not only caught the community by surprise but also left the studio itself disoriented, especially the developers who until the last moment held on to hope for continuity, even without payment guarantees.

The studio's collapse comes after many years of contributions to the market since its foundation in 2009. In an increasingly competitive market where big studios and partnerships dominate, Tequila Works faced unfavorable "market conditions," as described by general manager Térence Mosca. The insolvency situation was exacerbated by the departure of co-founders Raúl Rubio and Luz Sancho, who left the studio along with other members of the administration.

"We are doing everything we can to support our teams in this difficult time," Mosca said. "Our philosophy has always been 'to create things with taste'." This principle guided the studio in works that, in addition to the successful Rime, include Gylt and the most recent Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, in collaboration with Riot Games.

Despite attempts to stay in the market and the dedication of a team proud of what they produced, economic pressure made the operation unsustainable. The developers themselves were asked to continue their activities, even without salary guarantees, in a last effort to stabilize the studio. In an official statement, Mosca emphasized the importance of Tequila Works' values and commitment to its team, but financial reality spoke louder.

It is a clear reminder that, even with strategic partnerships and projects that capture public attention, independent studios like Tequila Works face enormous challenges to stay in a constantly changing landscape that does not always favor low-budget innovation. The loss is significant, especially for those looking for creative alternatives to big studios.