In recent hours, an all-new AAA development studio was revealed, named Maverick Games. Based in Leamington Spa in the United Kingdom, which is something of a gaming hub, Maverick Games boasts leadership talent that enters the firm following something of an exodus from other studios, notably Playground Games.
Famed for its development of the Forza Horizon franchise, Playground Games has seen a few high-level departures in recent weeks. Along with an ex-EA employee and a leader from Sumo Digital, some of these staff members have ended their journey with Playground Games, opting to shift into top gear and join the newly-founded Maverick Games.
Be A Maverick
Following a string of departures from Playground Games, the following people have joined Maverick Games, which has just struck gold, secured funding, and announced the development of its first game:
- Mike Brown: Founder & Creative Director at Maverick, was the Creative Director at Playground.
- Matt Craven: CTO of Maverick Games, was a Technical Director at Playground.
- Tom Butcher: Executive Producer at Maverick, was Lead Producer at Playground.
- Ben Penrose: Art Director at Maverick, was the Studio Art Director at Playground.
- Gareth Harwood: Content Director at Maverick, was the Technical Art Director at Playground.
- Fraser Strachan: Audio Director at Maverick, held the same role at Playground.
Outside of the ex-Playground staff, there’s Harinder Sangha, newly signed as the COO of Maverick, coming in from Sumo Digital’s Leamington branch. Finally, there’s Elly Marshall, an EA Experience Design Director coming in as the UX/UI Director at Maverick.
According to Mike Brown, Founder of Maverick Games, there are already great things in store for the firm:
Our goal is for Maverick Games to be a studio people will love. For players, we’re already at work on an exciting ultra-high quality title, and for developers, we’re building a home where everyone is encouraged to take risks, be curious, be creative, be innovative, be themselves, and above all – be a Maverick.
Mike Brown, Maverick Games
Reportedly, Maverick Games’ first title will be a ‘premium’ open-world game, but little information has been shared to embellish that tidbit. With what is apparently ‘significant funding’ and a top-tier team driving the studio forward, Maverick Games will definitely be a developer to watch out for in the coming years.
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