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With Halo Wars complete and heading to stores soon, employees from its defunct developer will be forming a new studio called Robot Entertainment, which will be creating new content for the upcoming RTS.
When Ensemble Studios was putting the finishing touches on the upcoming Xbox 360 real time strategy game Halo Wars, many were shocked to find out that the developer, who had also been responsible for the Age of Empires series, would be closed upon completion of the project. Not only would many great developers be out of work, but one of the most important Xbox 360 titles would be without a developer for post-release content. Both of those fears were calmed today when the founders of Ensemble Studios announced the formation of Robot Entertainment, a studio comprised of many former Ensemble staffers.
In a press release sent out by the company, Robot Entertainment confirmed its dedication to working with Halo Wars publisher Microsoft Games Studios to create new Halo Wars content, as well as keeping its online community vibrant (as well as Age of Empires). Additionally, Robot Entertainment will be developing its own IP, though no publisher or console was revealed to be the recipient. You can read the press release in its entirety below.
Founders of Ensemble Studios Announce Formation of Robot Entertainment
PLANO, Texas - February 17, 2009 - Robot Entertainment announced today the formation of its new game development studio in Plano, Texas. Founded by many of the original founders of Ensemble Studios, Robot has a staff of 45 comprised entirely of former Ensemble employees. Robot's team developed the hit franchise Age of Empires(tm), selling over 20 million units worldwide, and the soon-to-be released Halo Wars for Xbox 360(tm). Tony Goodman, the founder of Ensemble, is the CEO of Robot.
"The video game industry is in a state of upheaval," said Mr. Goodman, "not just games, but the entire landscape. Everything is changing: where we buy games, how we buy games, how much we pay, how long we play, who we play them with. As a fast-moving independent team of game developers, industry leaders and market experts, Robot Entertainment is ideally positioned to play a transformative role in the industry's future."
Robot Entertainment is working with Microsoft Game Studios to develop additional content for Halo Wars and support online gaming and community for both Age of Empires and Halo Wars. Additionally, Robot is developing its own original IP.
About Robot Entertainment
Based in Plano, Texas, Robot Entertainment is a world-class independent game development studio owned and operated by many of the founders of Ensemble Studios. With a team that has proven experience and expertise in creating games that appeal to massive audiences, Robot Entertainment is focused on titles that set new standards for their respective genres as well as groundbreaking original IPs. Robot can be found on the web at www.robotentertainment.com.
THE VERDICT by Sports Legends
With layoffs and company closings happening left and right, it's nice to see a new studio form. And might I add it's probably the greatest studio name ever! Can't wait to hear about the new IP!
With layoffs and company closings happening left and right, it's nice to see a new studio form. And might I add it's probably the greatest studio name ever! Can't wait to hear about the new IP!
