When Project Blackbird was canceled by Microsoft last year, it left a lot of developers, artists, and others looking for work. While some have found work at other studios, one former developer has decided to start his own.
From the ashes of one cancelation and layoff comes Eighth Lantern Studios, a company founded by former lead encounter designer at Zenimax, Gabe Sheets.
Eighth Lantern began as a side project last year and consists of Sheets as well as several industry veterans from games like Perfect Dark, Remnant II, The Elder Scrolls Online, Call of Duty, and more.
“At Eighth Lantern Studios, our mission is to combine our AAA experience with fresh ideas to make games that give players a reason to laugh and just have fun with their friends,” said Sheets, a 20-year veteran in the industry. “So, kinda like a finely-tuned gameplay whoopee cushion: timeless, endlessly replayable, and fun for all ages.”
At the start, the team began working on a prototype for a game while continuing to look for work. Sheets said that the belief was they would test the waters if they felt the prototype had a chance.
“Well, it turns out we all fell in love with the project, and not only that, we’re certain that it’s something worth sharing with the rest of the world,” he said.
Currently, Eighth Lantern is bootstrapping its first game, a third-person roguelite puppet shooter. You can learn more about the studio at its website and on social media.
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In other news, read more exclusive details about the recent Eidos Montreal layoffs and what it means for the studio. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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