#press start!

@eliasbouchardunofficial

Robin immediately bristles, feeling the hair on their neck stand up.

It's official: Cyber Group Studios is being liquidated to pay back its creditors by court order, it has been reported today.

The French animation outfit suddenly found itself into financial trouble starting in October 2024 and declared itself insolvent. Between then and today (April 28), Cyber Group welcomed several buyout deals to save the company; the company's higher-ups favored a buyout from one company, but the Paris Commercial Court ordered Cyber Group into liquidation in what I'm sure is a serious blow.

Gigantosaurus, one of Cyber Group's biggest hit series

It has been known that some parts within the animation industry has been experiencing a downturn -- not too long ago, fellow French studio TeamTO (Jade Armor, Elena of Avalor, My Knight and Me) also struggled financially and has since bought out by Italy-based RIVA Studios.

While I have already known about Cyber Group's struggles and saw this coming, I'm still bummed by this. It had become of my favorite animation studios and they have contributed to animation a great deal, even though a lot of the series they have produced weren't household names.

Ernest & Rebecca, an adaption of the graphic novel series of the same name

The first Cyber Group series I watched is Sadie Sparks. A few of the people in my friend group are fans of the series. I started watching it in 2023 -- I haven't gone beyond the first 5-10 episodes since ;P -- and it was a good series! Although it lasted only a single season, it left a good impression on me and I started to become interested in Cyber Group!

Sadie Sparks, a series blending 2D and CGI animation

And then came 50/50 Heroes.

50/50 Heroes: Half-siblings, half-superheroes!

My goodness, this series! I loved it so much, and I have mentioned how sweet this series is for something that's superhero related! Not to mention doggone hilarious and with awesome animation! I haven't completed the series yet, but I have to watch the rest soon.

Taffy: While I haven't seen this series yet, it does kinda reminds me of Tom & Jerry!

Cyber Group made and/or distributed a bunch of shows that I want to see: among them are Taffy, Ernest & Rebecca, The Pirates Next Door, Zak Jinks, Droners, Press Start! and others I may have forgotten!

The Pirates Next Door, based on a series of picture books first published in the U.K.

In the last several months leading to its liquidation, Cyber Group debuted Press Start! for Peacock in the U.S. (you can also find full episodes on YouTube), and Alex Player in France and Italy (no news for an English language dub yet but since the company is no longer existing it now seems unlikely).

Press Start!, based on the children's book series

Alex Player

Cyber Group still had several original series in development until its demise, including Hoodie Buddy, Yum Yum, Erica and Trevor vs. Spooky Monsters, and The Tern; and adaptations of Final Fantasy IX, Masters of the Unicorns, and Monster in My Pocket. Production of new episodes of its hit series Gigantosaurus was already under way, a third season of Taffy was in development, and I've heard rumors of a second season of 50/50 Heroes being developed around the 'net, but nothing has come out it. It is currently unknown whether existing IP or series in development would be purchased by other companies. Cyber Group has also distributed several of their series to YouTube and some free streaming services -- it's also currently unknown what will the future be for those.

Cyber Group Studios may be gone, but I'm hoping that other animation studios -- and especially animation studios in France -- continue to be in solid footing and do what they do best -- entertaining millions around the world and contributing to the great art that is animation.

Press Start! (Tamagotchi)

@cookes-keep-official

The arcade is nearly silent, they’re closed by this time.

A machine in the corner flicks on, like its keeper has just awoken from a nap. The keeper spots Anthony, immediately perking up.

“Anthony!”

Robin hops out of the machine and bounds over to Anthony.

Come out come out Robin...

@ash-turned-memories

Robin jolts awake at the sound of glass breaking, hitting their head on the roof of the cabinet they’d managed to squeeze into in order to hide. Someone was here.

The Arcade was open, as it was most days. There were a handful of kids galloping around and a very tired-looking employee at the prize counter.

In the corner sat an arcade machine, not too different from the others. At least not in appearance.

The machine seemed to exude a strange, almost menacing aura. The screen seemed brighter, more vibrant, almost… unreal.