Nerial, the British studio responsible for the Reigns series and Card Shark, is entering hibernation mode after 13 years and 11 published games, laying off its remaining staff in the process.

The decision follows two years of significant trading losses—nearly £1 million in 2024 and over £800,000 in 2025—along with a prior 40% headcount reduction last year, leaving the nine-person team, including founders François and Tamara Alliot, with little room to continue operations. Devolver Digital, which acquired the studio in 2021 and retains rights to the existing catalog, supported the mutual choice to end active development.

Founders described the move as a necessary break to reflect before returning to their roots, while urging other studios to hire the "fabulous" former employees. The studio's social media post struck the familiar somber tone seen in recent industry announcements, framing the close of an "incredible adventure" without concrete timelines for revival.