We’ve all heard about an exodus or two from EA, but not so much from Sony Online Entertainment. Well, reset the brain drain clock, as Eurogamer recently spotted a few names missing from SOE’s Seattle studios register.
Studio Director and Executive Producer Matt Wilson, Art Director Corey Dangel, and Producer John Smith officially called it quits at the Pacific Northwest SOE studio at the beginning of July. The trio has struck out on their own with Detonator Games, a new player to the Facebook, MySpace, Bebo (amongst others) social gaming category. From the company’s recently launched site:
Detonator Games takes social game play to new and explosive levels. We build high quality games that unite multiple social platforms in a common goal of fun. We’re totally dedicated to creating entertainment overflowing with the attitude, emotion, and fun that drive players together. In short, we connect people through play.
Wilson and Smith were founding members of the Seattle SOE studio, an original acquisition by Sony of the then titled Fireant. Previously, the team had been involved with Microsoft’s developed, but never brought to market MMO Mythica. In the interview with Eurogamer, Matt Wilson comments, “It’s true that Corey and I no longer work for SOE. This was a very hard decision to make, but it’s the right decision for both us and the project. There were a variety of factors into making this decision, but we wish SOE and The Agency the best success.”
Ah yes, The Agency. This anticipated spy/James Bond –esque title has been in the works since early 2005 at the SOE Seattle studio. There’s even been microtransactions talk surrounding the game. Originally aiming at a 2010 delivery date, some sources in the Seattle gaming community are speculating that the studio will need to regroup, have a think, and perhaps revamp and modify the game, ultimately delaying the launch.
Conversely, SOE comments, “The Agency is not undergoing a reboot of any sorts – that is incorrect. The team in Seattle is still working diligently on this project and we’re looking forward to showing you new content in the future.”
While there are only three guys and one corporate megalith that know the full details of the departure from, foundation of, and the status of The Agency, I believe what we’ve got here is nothing more than a team of entrepreneurs that didn’t want to work for the Man any longer, saw a lucrative market, recognized their skills and knowledge, and went for the opportunity to create something of their own. Detonator Games has been wisely building anticipation of their initial release via a facebook fan page, as well as regular updates on twitter.
Are there already too many social games developers out there at the moment? It really depends on how you look at it. However – how many social gaming companies out there can boast three former SOE execs at the helm? Exactly. We’ve joined the Detonator Games fan page, and will be keeping a close eye on what the folks in the Emerald City have in store for us.
Tags: Corey Dangel, eurogamer, John Smith, matt wilson, mythica, social game, soe, Sony Online Entertainment
