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As you probably already know, Microsoft decided to close Ensemble Studios, making Halo Wars their final title. Today, Bruce Shelley, game developer of such classics as Civilization and Railroad Tycoon for MicroProse and Age of Empires for Ensemble and “employee #4, starting in February of 1995” at Ensemble, has posted a final blog entry on Ensemble Studios’ website.
In the address, Shelley gave thanks to the fans who supported the studio throughout its run, and he also thanked Ensemble itself, which fomented a work environment and a level of camaraderie between employees that allowed them to create great games. Shelley said, “The mission of our studio was to create a great place to work and make great games, stressed by Tony in that order. I believe we stayed on mission throughout and often it was a lot of fun. It is worth mentioning that about 60% of the people who worked on Age of Empires I were with the studio to the end.” Thankfully, this resource of gaming knowledge and development talent looks as if it won’t go to waste. Mr. Shelley also hinted at the creation of at least two other game studios on the horizon: “There are at least two new studios being formed by ES employees and I expect both to do very well. There were a lot of outstanding game developers here and it will be interesting to see how and what they do, both individually and as new groups, in the years ahead.” |
