Skullgirls Mobile is a popular version of Skullgirls, a fast-paced 2D fighting video game developed by Reverge Labs and published by Autumn Games and Konam in 2012. The game has naturally endured a great deal of change over the past decade, including various developers, like Lab Zero Games and Hidden Variable Studios, and multiple updates and re-releases. Fans have come to love Skullgirls for its unique hand-drawn animation and its emphasis on fast-paced competitive gameplay.
The mobile version of Skullgirls was released to iOS and Android devices in 2017 as a free-to-play game. It was developed Hidden Variable Studios along with Autumn Games, the official publisher of Skullgirls Mobile. Unlike the traditional 1v1 or 3v3 tag-team combat featured in the main Skullgirls games, Skullgirls Mobile is designed with its mobile format in mind, offering a more streamlined experience. It incorporates a touch-based combat system while retaining the same combo-heavy mechanics as former versions.
Hidden Variable recently announced its split from the development of Skullgirls Mobile in an official company statement shared via Bluesky on March 6. The statement confirms that “as of January 21st, 2025, Hidden Variable is no longer involved in the development of Skullgirls mobile, 2nd Encore, or other Skullgirls IP-related efforts due to dispute with Autumn Games.” Hidden Variable states that the conflict is now the subject of litigation and filed in the LA County Superior Court. The statement makes a point of thanking players and dedicated fans for their support over the past decade. The case’s legal documents make it apparent that Hidden Variable is claiming a breach of contract related to Autumn Game’s alleged failure to make required payments adding up to over $1.2 million.
Official Hidden Variable Statement Regarding Skullgirls Development
— Hidden Variable Studios (@hiddenvariable.com) March 6, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Autumn Games responded to the legal issue with Hidden Variable on the same day via a post on the official Skullgirls Mobile X (formerly Twitter) account. The post specifically addresses the “Skullgirls community,” emphasizing the company’s gratitude and their shared love for the franchise. It states that all companies involved with Skullgirls Mobile “have not been delivering on [their] their promise” to the players. Autumn Games claims that in an attempt to right this wrong, they plan on “launching Guilds for Skullgirls this year,” a long-awaited feature. Although the post declares itself a response to the Hidden Variable debacle, it never directly mentions anything about the conflict, instead appealing to players and a sense of shared loyalty.
Autumn Games encourages players to join the official Skullgirls Mobile Discord for further updates on the matter. Anyone interested in giving the game a try can download it for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.