Skullgirls developer Hidden Variable Games has announced they’re ending their work on the series amidst new legal troubles for the franchise.

While details are scant in their statement, Hidden Variable is ending their work on Skullgirls 2nd Encore, Skullgirls Mobile, as well as their work for the series’ webtoon.

The developer said they’ve ended their work on the Skullgirls franchise as of January 21st of this year, after a “dispute with Autumn Games” became the subject of litigation. As such, the developer is no longer working on any Skullgirls IP-related projects. Autumn Games is the owner of the Skullgirls intellectual property.

A court filing from March 5th has revealed, however, that Hidden Variable is claiming at least $1,227,308 in unpaid payments. Hidden Variable claims that Autumn Games has “refused and continues to refuse” to pay them payments for their work on the Skullgirls franchise.

The original Skullgirls developer Reverge Labs was effectively shut down and reformed by former staff as Lab Zero Games. After allegations on lead design director and a programmer Mike Zaimont arose, that developer also shut down and development was picked up by Hidden Variable.

Skullgirls 2nd Encore has been available on Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS4. Skullgirls Mobile is available on IOS and Android.

Here’s the full word from Hidden Variable:

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