Ukraine-based Frogwares given grant by Epic Games, will be used to relocate employees
UPDATE: Announces new eldritch horror game, Project Palianytsia.
UPDATE 2pm UK: In a fresh announcement today, Frogwares has revealed a new project which the studio has pivoted onto due to the war in Ukraine.
Project Palianytsia is an "eldritch horror coupled with Victorian-era mystery", and a smaller-scale title than the open world game it previously planned as its next project.
The word palianytsia refers to a Ukrainian bread - chosen, says Frogwares, "for Russians who often can't pronounce it correctly when trying to pass off as Ukrainian. And so now it's often used in the field as a test to quickly identify possible affiliation of unknown individuals".
"We are revealing the game now in this way to simply show people we are pushing on," communications manager Sergey Oganesyan said in a statement, "and also as a clear middle finger to those who thought they could just roll into our country hoping to disrupt and ruin our lives."
ORIGINAL STORY 12.30pm: Sherlock Holmes and Sinking City developer Frogwares, which is based in Ukraine, has been given an "Epic MegaGrant" by Epic Games.
The undisclosed sum of money will go to employees to aid in their relocation to safer areas of the country, or elsewhere in Europe, and to maintain their financial stability going forward, Frogwares announced.
The funding package will also allow for Frogwares to supply its team with specialised equipment and migrate its data infrastructure.
"As of right now in Ukraine, the war still keeps going. During this time, we as a studio need to feel strong, maintain a positive mindset, and do everything we can to keep the business operating while also providing our team with the support that they require," Frogwares wrote.
"In short, the Epic MegaGrant will be used to soften the financial blow from the war and stay on our feet, and we'd like to thank Epic Games for their support during this trying time."
This money is separate to the funds raised by Epic Games from two weeks' worth of Fortnite revenue - all $144m of that is going to charities working in Ukraine or supporting its people.
Any developer working on an Unreal Engine game can apply for a MegaGrant from Epic, and receive up to $500k.
Back in March, Frogwares announced DLC for its recent Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One. "Put simply, we need to keep the studio alive and functioning to the best of our abilities now more than ever," Frogwares boss Wael Amr said at the time.