In the wake of a significant cyberattack that resulted in the release of 1.67 terabytes of data, including sensitive details about employees and the upcoming games, including but not limited to, Venom: Lethal Protector, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Sony’s massive X-Men plans, Insomniac Games has responded with resilience and determination.
The attack, orchestrated by the ransomware group Rhysida, demanded a ransom of approximately $2 million, which after Sony refused to pay, led to the release of the stolen data.
Insomniac Games, one of the best acquisitions in the gaming industry in recent years, found itself at the center of the breach, both in terms of the emotional toll on its team and the exposure of confidential information.
An update regarding Insomniac and Marvel's #WolverinePS5. pic.twitter.com/CMkCCoZwwj
— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) December 22, 2023
The leaked data included more than 1.3 million files, encompassing a wide range of content from future game plans to personal details of employees. Among the most notable leaks was the early gameplay footage of the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine. This breach brought to light not only development details but also a playable build, currently in its early production stages and planned for PlayStation 5. Insomniac has emphasized that the project will continue as planned, although the specific details of the game’s evolution will be shared when deemed appropriate.
In its response, the studio focused on supporting its team and addressing the concerns of affected employees. The first-party Sony studio expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community during this challenging time and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering games as intended for their players. The emotional impact it had on the development team has been significant, with the studio taking steps to ensure the well-being of its staff.
Insomniac noted the distinction between stolen data and leaked information, clarifying that the content circulating on the internet was obtained through criminal means. The studio has been active in issuing Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) claims against sites and users hosting assets for the unreleased games. Despite the challenges posed by the hack, Insomniac remains steadfast in its mission to create high-quality gaming experiences.
The cyberattack has raised concerns about the increasing frequency and scale of hacks targeting the gaming industry. The release of confidential data not only affects the studios and their employees but also has broader implications for the industry as a whole. Insomniac’s situation highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and the importance of protecting intellectual property in the digital age.
It’s interesting to note, however, that the leaked files reveals information about a worrisome trend that the video game industry continues to publicly ignore – the increased costs of gaming development.
Earlier this year, we reported that AAA video game development could cost up to well over a billion later this decade. While no game has reached this figure at this point (most theorize that Rockstar Games has spent as much on GTA 6 already), it’s only a matter of time before it happens unless things change. Sony is aware of this concerning situation, asking Insomniac, the studio behind some of its best-selling exclusives, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, to cut costs.
