Who creates the creators? Well in this case it appears to be ProbablyMonsters, a surprisingly old studio finally announcing itself with the goal of creating other studios to create games.
ProbablyMonsters began its work in 2016, but up until today has been operating quietly. The goal of ProbablyMonsters is less to create games, but more to create studios who will then make games under them. The company was founded by Harold Ryan, the former president and CEO of Bungie, and is based in Issaquah, Washington. Harold had the following to say about his new company:
As we enter a new generation of gaming, the industry needs a better model for building AAA studios where game developers can reliably turn their creative vision and effort into exceptional experiences that delight players. Our mission at ProbablyMonsters is to unite, guide, and empower talented game developers in a stable and predictable business environment that respects people, culture, and creativity.
In addition to revealing themselves, ProbablyMonsters also has two studios they're launching. The first is Firewalk Studios, which is lead by Tony Hsu, who was the General Manager of the Destiny Business Unit at Activision, and worked on both Destiny and Call of Duty: Black Ops. He's being joined by Ryan Ellis, who was the Creative Director at Bungie and Lead Artist at Oddworld Inhabitants.
The other studio that ProbablyMonsters is setting up is Cauldron Studios, which is led by Dave Matthews. Dave was the Lead Character Artist at Sony, having worked on the God of War games, and was the Art Director at both Bungie and Warner Brothers Interactive. He's being joined by CJ Cowan, who was the Director of Cinematics for all of Bungie's Halo games, and also the Story Lead for Destiny: The Taken King. Neither studio has announced what they are currently working on, but I'm sure we'll find out before long.
How do you feel about ProbablyMonsters? Do you think they'll end up as another massive publisher? Interested in either of the studios that they're starting up? Let us know in the comments below!
