Industry veterans who formerly worked for Saints Row developer Volition appear to be founding a new studio. This news comes five months after Volition was closed by parent company Embracer Group, after 30 years in the industry. The announcement to close Volition followed close behind their 2022 reboot of the Saints Row franchise, which received mixed reviews owing to bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues.
As first noticed by TechRaptor, the company broke cover via Linkedin and announced the formation of Shapeshifter games. According to their mission statement, the new studio’s goal is to act as a “co-development studio” that aims to “create a more sustainable environment for developers to do their best work.”
According to the full statement published on Linkedin:
Founded by veteran developers from Volition, Shapeshifter Games was created to partner with world class developers and publishers on the creation of AAA games. Shapeshifter draws upon deep experience in open-world and character action games earned while working on some of the industry’s most beloved franchises.
Shapeshifter Games has also announced that they are currently working with a “top publisher” on a new franchise, and are currently looking to expand their team. Rob Loftus, the former principal producer of Volition is overseeing this Shapeshifter games as Studio director.
In a statement made by Loftus, he acknowledged the turbulent times the industry is going through with 5000 layoffs already recorded just this year. However, he also stated optimistically his hope that more studies can arise from the displaced members of the industry. He stated:
It’s been five months since the closure of Volition, but I’m grateful to post that a group of us have re-formed as Shapeshifter Games. The industry climate remains tough and I know I’m fortunate to reconnect with colleagues and turn the page on a new adventure. I’m hopeful for more groups like us and for the brighter days ahead.
Other former Volition developers joining this new studio include Alex Cline (designer), David Andsager (software engineer), Matt Madigan (studio head), Brian Traficante (creative director), Darren Dienst (designer), Chad Dodson (level designer), Bryan Dillow (designer), and Jeff Touchstone (level designer).
Volition officially closed in August of 2023 during a massive restructuring enacted by Embracer Group that left a large number of industry members displaced and a few studios closed or unsure about their future. Despite this, Embracer Group has continued its layoffs this year as well.
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