Grumpyface Studios is feeling rather disheartened as several of its games under the Cartoon Network banner have been pulled from digital platforms, a move driven by cost-cutting strategies. Among those affected are beloved titles like Steven Universe: The Light Trilogy and the Teeny Titans series, much to the dismay of their dedicated fans.
The indie developer Grumpyface Studios is known for crafting mobile games in collaboration with Cartoon Network Games and Adult Swim Games, drawing inspiration from popular series like Adventure Time, Regular Show, and particularly, the Steven Universe: The Light Trilogy which graced major consoles and PCs.
Sadly, due to recent actions, several games from Grumpyface are no longer available for purchase on digital platforms such as Steam and the Nintendo eShop. As 2024 progresses, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of Cartoon Network, has embarked on a mission to trim costs by shelving projects nearing completion and removing original content from its streaming services. This cost-cutting spree has now impacted video games, with titles like Steven Universe: Save the Light and its successor, Steven Universe: Unleash the Light, caught in the firing line. Grumpyface Studios released a statement outlining the effects of these delistings on their operations.
The studio took to Twitter to clarify that they weren’t involved in the decision to pull the Steven Universe games or the Teeny Titans games from sale. They urged fans to direct their queries about the titles’ removal to Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. The announcement ended on a somber note, highlighting the heartbreak shared by both the studio and the game’s fans over this unexpected development.
The Steven Universe: The Light Trilogy offered RPG experiences based on the animated series beloved by many. The first game, Attack the Light, captivated mobile gamers, while its sequels Save the Light and Unleash the Light widened their reach to platforms like Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. Meanwhile, Teeny Titans was a delightful nod to the Teen Titans GO show, featuring Robin in a figure-collecting adventure reminiscent of Pokémon.
As if that wasn’t enough, other beloved titles like Adventure Time: Finn and Jake’s Epic Quest and Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time are also on the chopping block, vanishing from platforms like Steam and various consoles. This isn’t Warner Bros.’ first foray into massive delistings, as a similar wave occurred in March 2024, though public backlash fortunately rescued many Adult Swim titles from the same fate. Fans across the globe have expressed their disappointment in this unexpected purge, with some seeking ways to preserve these lost treasures for future gaming generations.
