Ex-Blizzard, Zenimax and Riot Games developer Rich Barham has co-founded a new mobile focused UK studio called Octopus 8 Studios.
Barham will be CEO of the studio, and is joined by Mediatonic senior designer Justin Parsler, and Lady Shotgun designer Chris Cox. “Today’s announcement represents the beginning of a very exciting period for us,” Parsler said, in part. “Our development teams have been working hard on our first two titles, which we believe showcase their great talent and combine originality and high quality in a way that is sure to appeal.”
Rich Barham added: “We are continuing to see a move away from traditional, medium-sized games companies which span the gap between self publishers and the industry giants. Many of the middle-sized companies have large, cumbersome and expensive infrastructures which are struggling to maintain profitability in an agile and changing marketplace.”
“Too many good companies and people are suffering this situation, and there are better ways to manage an evolving industry, particularly with much of the superb talent which is currently being throttled by the vicious circle of needing experience to demonstrate it. Octopus 8 Studios is doing things a different way, and we believe it’s the right way – for games people, and for games.”
(via Develop)