Rebellion CEO Discusses Atomfall Success and Launching New IPs on Xbox Game Pass

Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley reflected on the success of Atomfall, a survival-action game that has attracted over 2 million players. Kingsley emphasized the importance of taking risks and trying new things, stating that the company's size and stability allow it to experiment with different projects. When asked about the scale of Rebellion's projects, Kingsley noted that the company is not trying to compete with blockbuster game budgets, but rather focus on creating games that are profitable and well-suited to its resources. Atomfall, which launched on PC, PS5, and Xbox, including Game Pass, offers a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre, drawing inspiration from British science fiction and history. The game's success has been boosted by its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass, which has provided a significant discoverability boost. Kingsley hopes that the game's popularity on Game Pass will translate to sales, as players who enjoy the game will recommend it to their friends and potentially purchase it. Rebellion has a strong track record of creating profitable games, including the Sniper Elite series and Zombie Army spin-offs. The company's approach to game development involves balancing sequels and new IPs, with a focus on pushing boundaries and trying new things. Kingsley also discussed the potential risks and benefits of launching a new IP on Game Pass, noting that while it can guarantee a certain level of financial return, it may also cannibalize sales from other platforms. Despite these challenges, Kingsley is optimistic about the future of Rebellion and the potential for new IPs, including a medieval fantasy game that he has been passionate about for some time. With over 500 full-time staff members, Rebellion is well-positioned to continue creating high-quality games that appeal to a wide range of players.