by Dan Houser Absurd undertakings launched its first spin-off studio.
Based in San Rafael, California, the Absurd Marin team is made up of several former employees of Ascendant Studios, creators of 2023 Immortals of Aveum. Among them, of course, is former Ascendant CEO Bret Robbins.
According to Houser, this new developer is working on an original story-driven title. This project is based on a third unannounced Absurd property and marks Absurd's second game alongside one it is making for its transmedia property A better paradise.
“We love the focus on storytelling and worldbuilding at Absurd Ventures,” Robbins wrote. “We’re excited to team up and pool our skills to work on an original game set in a new and incredibly fun universe.”
Who is Ascendant Studios?
The saga of Bret Robbins and Ascendant has been very twisty in 2023. Immortals of Aveum It was the studio's debut project, and not long after the launch of the magical shooter, half of the staff he was fired.
Earlier this year, Robbins He admitted that several factors may have made the difference, including price. But at the time, he said sales had seen a “huge boost” thanks to price cuts and word of mouth, and that that had opened the door to potential business partners.
Despite this, the study put on leave most of its remaining staff last April. EA would provide a lifeline in May by diverting everything Aveum sales turnover to Ascendant, whose developer status is currently unclear.
Prior to By Aveum released last year, Game Developer spoke with Robbins about making a magical first person shooterand making a motion capture-heavy gaming during a pandemic.