One of the most controversial topics in the video game and digital entertainment industry is undoubtedly piracy. Beyond the objective factor of legality, much debate surrounds its impact and moral nature. With this in mind, it’s surprising that the designer who worked on one of the most original games of 2022 asked gamers to download it for free through alternative means.
We’re talking about Rollerdrome, the intriguing action title that elegantly combines third-person shooter mechanics with skating. Its concept resonated with audiences, leading to very positive reviews on Steam and earning a BAFTA award for the Best British Game of the Year.
Despite the game’s strong reception, its developer, Roll7, is in a tough situation. Now, one of its designers has asked gamers to download the game illegally.
Anisa Sanusi, Rollerdrome Developer, Asks Players to Pirate the Game
Through a post on her personal social media account, artist Anisa Sanusi, who worked as the senior UI/UX designer, celebrated the 2nd anniversary of Rollerdrome. What stands out is that she encouraged players to pirate the game. Why? According to her, the people who worked on the game are no longer with the company that owns it.
“Happy 2nd anniversary to my favorite game I worked on! Please pirate it because none of us work at the company that owns it anymore,” the artist wrote on her X profile.
Earlier in 2024, Take-Two Interactive announced a massive wave of layoffs affecting over 600 employees. A report from trusted journalist Jason Schreier indicated that Intercept Games, the company behind Kerbal Space Program 2, and Roll7, the studio behind OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome, closed their doors as a result of the restructuring.
Take-Two Interactive later denied shutting down both studios, which were under the publishing arm of Private Division, but they also refused to answer questions about whether Roll7 still exists. Reports indicate that nearly all workers were laid off.
In a post shared in early August, Anisa Sanusi stated that despite the critical reception and recognition, the parent company of Rockstar Games closed the studio responsible for the acclaimed Rollerdrome. A look at Roll7’s social media accounts reveals that they have not posted since April 2024.
As for Rollerdrome, it’s worth noting that it debuted on August 16, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a port for Xbox Series X|S released in November 2023 on Xbox Game Pass. It currently costs $599 MXN on Steam.
But tell us, what do you think of Anisa Sanusi's stance? Let us know in the comments.
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