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By now you must all know the Ensemble Studios, creators of Age of Empires and Halo Wars, was shut down by owner Microsoft. This news was disturbing to many industry-wide, as it seemed to cement just how difficult the current economic client is. Thankfully, talent is talent, and the founders of Ensemble, namely CEO Tony Goodman, have taken a large portion of their crew and have started Robot Entertainment. The new studio’s first project will be to work with Microsoft to provide continued support for Age of Empires and to create additional content for Halo Wars. Also, Robot has announced they are in the process of creating their own original IP. Of course, no details are available at this time. Tony Goodman heads up a new studio, made up entirely of former Ensemble Studios employees.
Press Release: 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, selling over 20 million units worldwide, and the soon-to-be released Halo Wars for Xbox 360. 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. |
