Them’s Fightin’ Herds, the acclaimed indie animal-themed fighting game originally developed by Mane6, has a new home—and fresh hope for fans longing for updates. As of October 2025, the intellectual property rights for the game have been acquired by Gameplay Group International, a newly established publishing label. The new owner has announced intentions to revive, support, and continue developing them’s Fightin’ Herds following a period of uncertainty after the game’s development and DLC pipeline were put on ice in late 2023.
Key Background: From Fan Project to Indie Darling
Them’s Fightin’ Herds began as an unofficial fan project inspired by My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, before being reimagined into an original universe with new characters created by Lauren Faust. Following a successful $586,000 crowdfunding campaign and several platform launches, the game was lauded for inventive mechanics, eye-catching art, and a surprising competitive depth, becoming a festival staple at fighting game tournaments like EVO.
Development was led by the Mane6 team, who later came under the Modus/Maximum Games umbrella after the studio’s acquisition. However, after a promising start—including Season Pass content and console ports—communication waned, development was halted, and future plans for additional characters and campaign content dropped off the radar. This left investors, backers, and a loyal competitive community wondering if Herds would ever see meaningful updates again.
New Ownership, New Promises
- Gameplay Group International has acquired both the IP and ongoing publishing rights for Them’s Fightin’ Herds, reportedly from Maximum Games/Modus.
- The company says it intends to revive the game’s development, bring back canceled content, and possibly re-engage with members of the former Mane6 team or its wider creative network.
- The publisher is said to be considering bringing back previously canceled content—such as Season 2 fighters and long-promised story mode expansions—and addressing community feedback about bugs, balance issues, and online infrastructure.
Community Reaction and Open Questions
The move has reignited hope and speculation in the TFH community, particularly with the game’s dedicated competitive scene feeling underserved after last year’s dev shutdowns. However, details remain scarce on exactly which team will carry forward new development, whether original creators will return, how crowdfunded backer rewards will be handled, or the status of previously promised DLC characters.
The first official statements from Gameplay Group International suggest a focus on transparency and player engagement, including plans for updates and soliciting fan feedback before making decisions about the game’s future direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Them’s Fightin’ Herds now?
Gameplay Group International, a new publisher, has acquired the IP rights and intends to manage development, updates, and community relations moving forward.
What happened to the previous publisher?
Maximum Games (under its Modus Games label) had previously acquired Mane6 and published TFH, but development was halted in late 2023. The new ownership marks a full handoff.
Will the original developers be involved?
It is not yet confirmed if Mane6 or any of the original creative leads will return under the new publisher, though community hopes remain high for at least some involvement or consultation.
Are canceled characters or story mode returning?
Gameplay Group International claims restoring some canceled content is a goal, but has not formally announced which specific additions, fixes, or expansions will be prioritized.
Is Them’s Fightin’ Herds coming to more platforms?
No announcements have been made about additional ports or new platforms. The game is currently available on Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One/Series, PlayStation 4/5, and Nintendo Switch.
When will new info or updates be released?
The new publisher has said announcements regarding development roadmaps and community involvement will come soon; fans are encouraged to follow official TFH social channels for details.
The Herd Fights On
This IP handoff comes at a time when fighting game communities are hungrier than ever for accessible, quirky, fresh content. If Gameplay Group International makes good on their revival promises, Them’s Fightin’ Herds could re-emerge as a darling on the indie fighting scene, delivering on the rich, character-driven content roadmap the original campaign envisioned. Players and backers alike will be watching keenly for concrete steps and signs of meaningful support as the new era begins.