Malware
Outlast Game Development Hits Roadblock: Red Barrels Battles Devastating Cyberattack
Game development company Red Barrels has delayed the release of upcoming game Outlast: Trials after falling victim to a cyberattack. The company’s servers were compromised, leading to a temporary loss of data and a disruption in the development process. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting the gaming industry.
Imagine eagerly waiting for the next installment of your favorite video game series, only to find out that its release may be delayed. This is the reality for fans of the Outlast games, developed by Canadian gaming studio Red Barrels, as they recently suffered a cyberattack that impacted their internal IT systems and data.
How the Cyberattack Affected Production
While Red Barrels emphasizes that the attack has not affected player data, the production timeline for their games has been impacted. Founded in 2011 by industry veterans, Red Barrels is best known for its Outlast series, a popular survival horror franchise. The third and latest installment, The Outlast Trials, was released in March 2024.
In a statement, Red Barrels said, “The hit on our production timeline has been significant. We will do our best to follow our roadmap, but unfortunately, some things will have to be delayed.” As a result, fans may need to wait longer for patches, updates, and new content for the Outlast games.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Incident
Upon discovering the attack, Red Barrels deployed measures to secure their systems and the information contained therein. They also reached out to leading external cybersecurity experts to conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident. As a precautionary measure, their employees have been offered appropriate support.
While the investigation has been completed, and the breach contained, it remains unclear if the hackers stole game source code or other assets related to upcoming projects. Such a leak could potentially damage the studio if made public.
What This Means for the Gaming Industry and You
This incident serves as a stark reminder that no industry is immune to the threat of cyberattacks. As technology continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important.
For you as a consumer, this means staying informed about the risks and taking the necessary precautions to protect your own data. It’s essential to use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, enable multi-factor authentication when available, and be cautious when sharing personal information online.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
As we continue to monitor the situation with Red Barrels and the impact of this cyberattack on their production timeline, it’s crucial for you to stay informed and vigilant in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you’re an avid gamer or simply concerned about your online security, we encourage you to keep coming back to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your data.