Glow Up Games Closes Its Doors

Glow Up Games has officially ceased operations, as announced by co-founder and CEO Mitu Khandaker. The studio, known for developing Insecure: The Come Up Game, had been gradually winding down throughout the year before ultimately shutting down after a five-year run. A message on the company's website confirms the closure. Khandaker stated, "Despite our relentless efforts, we were ultimately unable to overcome the numerous challenges we faced over the years, particularly in a financially challenging climate that has led to the closure of many established game studios." The company's mission was centered around creating games and technology that highlighted and celebrated Black and brown joy, and although they were proud of their accomplishments, they acknowledged the significant gap that still exists. Khandaker expressed gratitude towards those who will continue this essential work. Founded in 2019 by Khandaker and CXO Latoya Peterson, Glow Up Games made history as the first all-woman of color-founded studio in the mobile space to secure over $1 million in equity funding. Recently, at DICE 2024, the co-founders discussed the challenges of creating games based on hip-hop culture, and at GDC, Peterson highlighted the fundamental flaws in games funding.