Work on Steam FPS Game Paused Because Dev is Going to Prison for 3 Years

Fortune's Run's Development Halted Due to Creator's Imprisonment

The Steam FPS title, Fortune's Run, faces an indefinite delay in its early access phase due to its creator's three-year prison sentence. While development delays in Steam games are common, usually stemming from financial or technical issues, Fortune's Run's predicament is unique: its sole developer, Dizzie, is incarcerated.

Prior to this news, Fortune's Run enjoyed positive reception on Steam, boasting a "Very Positive" rating and praise for its retro art style and gameplay. However, all updates are now on hold. While many games have overcome protracted development challenges, Fortune's Run's future remains uncertain.

Dizzie revealed the news in a January 14th Steam update, stating their three-year sentence would halt development until their release. The specific crime remains undisclosed, but Dizzie acknowledged a violent past preceding the game's development. This situation, though unusual for game development, highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry.

Development Paused Until 2028

Originally, Fortune's Run had a second team member, but they departed following a complicated surgery and subsequent loss of interest in game development. This leaves Dizzie as the sole developer, resulting in a complete development standstill until their release from prison, scheduled for February 2025. The game's Steam page currently targets a 2026 release from early access, a goal now highly improbable. However, considering some indie titles spend five years or more in early access, a three-year delay isn't unprecedented.

Dizzie expressed confidence in completing the game upon release. Players can still access the current early access build, and numerous other excellent early access shooters on Steam offer alternatives until development resumes.