Updated...
https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/volition-veterans-form-new-studio-shapeshifter-games.
A group of veteran developers who used to work at Saints Row studio Volition teamed up to form a new studio, named Shapeshifter Games.
The studio, revealed on Linkedin, is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, and is intended to be a co-development studio.
This means that the plan is to partner with other developers and publishers to support them in the creation of their AAA games.
Studio head Matt Madigan mentions that the goal is "to grow and assist developers and publishers by providing a sustainable workforce model."
More relevant names from Volition are principal producer Rob Loftus, who has taken on the role of studio director - production at Shapeshifter, while franchise creative director Brian Traficante takes on the equivalent role on the creative side.
Traficante himself commented on his own LinkedIn page mentioning that "Working with talented, familiar faces fills him with joy." Loftus mentions that he's "Fortunate to reconnect with colleagues and turn the page on a new adventure," adding that he's hopeful for the formation of similar groups and brighter days ahead.
Among the listed employees on LinkedIn, we see six more veterans from the former team at Volition plus one from Immortals of Aveum developer Ascendant Studios, which was also recently hit by layoffs. Shapeshifter is also currently hiring a Lead Software Engineer.
According to the listing, the studio specializes in open-world games, Unreal Engine 5, console development, and co-development. Interestingly, according to the profile of AJ Nelson, it appears that Shapeshifter is already working as a co-developer on a project for Xbox Game Studios.
Shapeshifter Games Winds Up Clockwork Revolution
> inXile entertainment | Video Game Developer
www.inxile-entertainment.com
We’re happy to announce that the newly formed Shapeshifter Games—formed of ex-Volition developers—is working with us to help bring Clockwork Revolution to life.
Shortly after Volition closed, we flew to Illinois and worked with Xbox and the then ex-Volition leadership to secure this new team as our co-development partner. Their wealth of industry experience further bolstering our efforts in developing our upcoming steampunk RPG Clockwork Revolution.
But the story doesn’t start there, our history with Volition goes back to the 90’s as our Studio Head Brian Fargo published their classics at Interplay. “I was very grateful to be able to help secure this new studio and get some truly amazing developers to help make Clockwork a reality. Co-dev groups are almost a given these days, but this one is special for us because of my long history with them going back to the Descent and FreeSpace games.”
inXile President Chris Keenan’s also has some history with the team. "One of the first games I tested in my career was Descent, so I have a special place in my heart for the Parallax/Volition team and history. First priority was ensuring these folks had a place to land on Clockwork Revolution, and we're thankful we were able to get it done so quickly. Bringing in new development partners can be challenging, but this was a rare partnership that felt right from the beginning."
Shapeshifter Games Studio Head, Matt Madigan added “The talented and experienced team that joined Shapeshifter has hit the ground running. We’ve had a lot of support from former Volitionites, and are truly grateful to inXile and Microsoft for the opportunity to assist with the development of a great new IP.”
We’re of course looking forward to sharing more about Clockwork Revolution. . . in due time
https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/volition-veterans-form-new-studio-shapeshifter-games.
A group of veteran developers who used to work at Saints Row studio Volition teamed up to form a new studio, named Shapeshifter Games.
The studio, revealed on Linkedin, is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, and is intended to be a co-development studio.
This means that the plan is to partner with other developers and publishers to support them in the creation of their AAA games.
Studio head Matt Madigan mentions that the goal is "to grow and assist developers and publishers by providing a sustainable workforce model."
More relevant names from Volition are principal producer Rob Loftus, who has taken on the role of studio director - production at Shapeshifter, while franchise creative director Brian Traficante takes on the equivalent role on the creative side.
Traficante himself commented on his own LinkedIn page mentioning that "Working with talented, familiar faces fills him with joy." Loftus mentions that he's "Fortunate to reconnect with colleagues and turn the page on a new adventure," adding that he's hopeful for the formation of similar groups and brighter days ahead.
Among the listed employees on LinkedIn, we see six more veterans from the former team at Volition plus one from Immortals of Aveum developer Ascendant Studios, which was also recently hit by layoffs. Shapeshifter is also currently hiring a Lead Software Engineer.
According to the listing, the studio specializes in open-world games, Unreal Engine 5, console development, and co-development. Interestingly, according to the profile of AJ Nelson, it appears that Shapeshifter is already working as a co-developer on a project for Xbox Game Studios.
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