It has been reported that ‘around 20’ former Ascendant Studios developers have joined Absurd Ventures, a multimedia organisation set up by Rockstar Games co-founder, Dan Houser. This news comes following a year of strife for Ascendant, which released Immortals of Aveum in August 2023, a game that promptly fell flat in the market.
Ascending
Absurd Ventures, which is led by Dan Houser, will open a new studio called Absurd Marin, which’ll be based in California. It was stated that the team of around 20 former Ascendant Studios employees will be working on an unannounced ‘story-driven action-adventure title’.
Recently, the team at Absurd Ventures revealed two multimedia universes – A Better Paradise and American Caper. It’s intended that Dan Houser’s company won’t make just games, but instead, it’ll start by publishing a graphic novel and a podcast.
Per the reports, Absurd Marin will be picking up the firm’s first videogame-based project. All we know so far is that it’s a third-person, open-world game — which sounds a bit on the nose considering it comes from the man partly responsible for the creation of Grand Theft Auto.
Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for Ascendant Studios. This news comes following broad layoffs and the widespread furloughing of the remaining members of staff. It could easily be the next studio to close its doors.
Are you looking forward to Dan Houser’s first new game away from Rockstar?
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news about Valkyrae’s claims against Jason Momoa
Please give us those classic experiences. Make a spiritual successor to GTA, hire the Sleeping Dogs guys to make a spiritual successor to that, Midnight Club, and Manhunt. We really need them!