Closed game studio returns to un-live service its game with community servers before shutdown: ‘We don’t believe Deceive Inc. should quietly disappear’
Deceive Inc., a beloved live-service PvP shooter, is being preserved after its developer Sweet Bandits closed its doors. Instead of disappearing entirely—a common fate for live-service games—the title will receive custom server support to remain playable indefinitely. This represents a rare reversal of the typical live-service shutdown cycle.
The Hitman-like FPS launched to positive reviews and maintained a dedicated community, receiving substantial seasonal updates for over a year before updates abruptly ceased in 2024 alongside the studio’s closure. Rather than allowing the game to fade away silently, the developers are taking steps to ensure the community can continue playing through custom servers.
This outcome is noteworthy in an industry where live-service game shutdowns typically result in permanent loss of access. The decision reflects a commitment to game preservation and ensuring Deceive Inc. doesn’t “quietly disappear” despite the studio’s demise.