ProbablyMonsters Introduces Hidden Grove Studio

Despite being a relatively young company, ProbablyMonsters has already experienced a significant amount of growth and change. Founded by former Bungie CEO Harold Ryan in 2016, the company has established three studios: Cauldron, Firewalk, and Battle Barge. However, it has also sold one studio, Firewalk, to its publishing partner Sony, and canceled the debut project of another, Cauldron. Now, the company is announcing the launch of a new studio, Hidden Grove, which is currently hiring. The decision to expand may seem unexpected, given the industry's recent contractions and ProbablyMonsters' own decision to part ways with Firewalk. However, Ryan explains that this move is part of the company's long-term strategy. "We have always planned to expand and grow strategically, and we continue to evaluate and evolve our business to make investments in areas where we see opportunities," he says. ProbablyMonsters was formed in 2016 with the goal of providing a new way to support game developers and create new intellectual properties that meet the needs of gamers. The company's mission is to unite, guide, and empower developers who share its vision of making the industry a better place and creating exceptional games. The company's central services team plays a crucial role in supporting its multiple development studios, allowing them to work together more effectively. Hidden Grove, like ProbablyMonsters itself, has been in development for some time before its official announcement. Chris Opdahl, the general manager of Hidden Grove, left Bungie to join forces with Ryan and start building the development team almost four years ago. Opdahl has kept the team small, focusing on building a strong culture and exploring new ideas. "We don't want to rush and get too big too quickly, as this can hinder team cohesion and stifle innovation," Ryan explains. Hidden Grove's first project has not been announced, but it will be an original multiplayer competitive adventure game built using Unreal Engine 5. Ryan chose Opdahl to lead Hidden Grove because of his ability to inspire and motivate talented individuals. The studio's leadership team also includes executive producer Lori Ada Kilty, art director Jedd Chevrier, senior engineering director Dean Johnson, and narrative director Kate Welch. In addition to the launch of Hidden Grove, ProbablyMonsters has announced the appointment of Adam Rymer as its new chief product officer. Rymer has a diverse background in media and entertainment, having worked as president of Nerdist Industries, executive at Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures, and CEO of Optic Gaming. Although ProbablyMonsters has attracted significant talent and made headlines, it has yet to release a game. Ryan remains committed to the company's vision and approach to game development. "We are focused on delivering exceptional games that delight a variety of players, and we will continue to prioritize development needs and quality over speed to market," he says. While Ryan cannot provide specific timelines for the company's upcoming games, he assures that ProbablyMonsters remains dedicated to its long-term goals. "We have multiple development teams working on their respective games, and we are constantly supporting incubation projects. We appreciate the continued support and patience of our fans as we work towards our goals."