Shapeshifter Games: A New Studio Emerges After Volition’s Closure
In August 2023, Embracer Group abruptly closed down the renowned game development studio, Volition, as part of their long-term restructuring efforts. Having operated in various forms for over 30 years, Volition was responsible for iconic titles such as the first two installments of Descent, Freespace, Red Faction, and the Saints Row series.
This week, it was revealed that several former members of Volition have come together to establish a brand-new game development studio called Shapeshifter Games (via TechRaptor). The studio is also located in Champaign, Illinois, the former hometown of Volition.
The official website of Shapeshifter Games states:
“Shapeshifter leverages our rich experience in open-world and action-packed games garnered during our time working on one of the industry’s most beloved franchises. Prior to the formation of Shapeshifter, our team members were part of the Core Technology Group and creative leadership at Volition.”
One of the members of the newly announced Shapeshifter Games, Lighting Artist AJ Nelson, revealed on their LinkedIn page that the team is already working on their debut project. Shapeshifter Games is collaborating with Xbox Game Studios, a subsidiary of Microsoft, to co-develop an untitled title.
Shapeshifter’s LinkedIn page mentions their collaboration with a “leading publisher” for their next major project, which most likely refers to one of Microsoft’s completely new titles, rather than an existing franchise.
Microsoft has partnered with several independent developers to create games for Xbox consoles and PCs. Certain Affinity, for example, has assisted in game development for Microsoft’s Halo franchise, first in collaboration with Bungie and later with 343 Industries. In recent times, Blackbird Interactive co-created Minecraft Legends alongside Mojang.
We look forward to learning more about Shapeshifter Games’ collaboration with Xbox Game Studios. It’s always exciting when developers can reunite after studio closures and work on new projects within a startup environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Volition game development studio closed?
Embracer Group closed down Volition studio in August 2023.
2. Where is the new game development studio, Shapeshifter Games, located?
Shapeshifter Games is situated in Champaign, Illinois, the former hometown of Volition.
3. What experience do the members of Shapeshifter Games have?
The members of Shapeshifter Games have experience in open-world and character-driven action games. They previously worked in the Core Technology Group and held creative leadership positions at Volition.
4. What project is Shapeshifter Games currently working on?
Shapeshifter Games is already working on their first project in collaboration with Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios.
5. Which publisher is Shapeshifter Games collaborating with for their next project?
Shapeshifter Games is collaborating with a “leading publisher” for their next major project, indicating that it is likely one of Microsoft’s completely new titles.
Definitions:
– Embracer Group: The company that closed down Volition studio in 2023. [source](https://embracer.com/)
– Volition game development studio: The studio that was closed down in August 2023. They worked on games such as Descent, Freespace, Red Faction, and the Saints Row series.
– Shapeshifter Games: A new game development studio founded by former members of Volition.
– Xbox Game Studios: Microsoft’s division responsible for publishing games on Xbox consoles and PCs. [source](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-studios)
– Start-up: A newly established enterprise aiming to develop innovative projects. [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Startup)
Related links:
– [Embracer Group official website](https://embracer.com/)
– [Xbox Game Studios official website](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-studios)
– [Shapeshifter Games LinkedIn profile](LinkedIn_URL)
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk