Insomniac Games, known for their popular video games, recently became the target of a ransomware attack perpetrated by a group known as Rhysida. The attack entailed a hefty ransom demand of around $2 million in Bitcoin, with threats to release sensitive information if not met. When Insomniac did not meet the ransom demands, Rhysida delivered on its threat, leaking over a terabyte of data, including internal documents, game development files, and employees' private data.
Included within the leaked files were a development plan extending to 2032, various materials related to the anticipated Wolverine game, and confidential corporate information along with the personal data of Insomniac's workforce. The gravity of the situation compelled Insomniac to issue a public statement on Twitter following the incident.
In their statement, the team expressed both sadness and anger regarding the malicious cyberattack that had struck the studio. The burden of such an ordeal on the emotional well-being of their team was highlighted, noting the distress it had caused. Insomniac emphasized the inward support provided among staff members during the ordeal, showing solidarity in the face of adversity.
Rick Lane had earlier suggested that the severity of this incident goes far beyond mere internal leaks or gossip. It represents a significant criminal act that has far-reaching implications for the people involved in the development process. As an example, Lane pointed out an August court ruling that disclosed a series of threatening voicemails against Bungie's Destiny 2 team. These voicemails included hateful speech, and there was also a report of a pizza delivery used to unsettle an employee by revealing that the caller knew the employee's home address, demonstrating the real danger of such threats.
The risks that Insomniac now faces are substantial, considering that this vast amount of data is being sifted through by countless individuals online, exposing the studio to potential harm. The enormity of this breach should not be overlooked or minimized, especially in light of the lengths to which those with malicious intent might go to harm their targets.
Despite the chaos brought about by the leak, Insomniac remains committed to their upcoming Wolverine title. They reassured fans and supporters that the game remains in production and that its evolution through development is expected, as with all game projects. While refraining from revealing any specific details, they promised to share official updates on Marvel's Wolverine when appropriate. To conclude, they extended their gratitude to the community for their continuous support amid the challenging period they are currently facing.