Creating a Single-Player Magic Shooter in a Multiplayer Military World

After departing Sledgehammer to establish Ascendant Studios in 2018, Bret Robbins had a clear vision for the type of game his new studio would develop. With his extensive experience in single-player campaigns, including his work on Call of Duty, Robbins was determined to create a game that would showcase his expertise in this area. The result is Immortals of Aveum, a multiplatform game set to launch on July 20 through EA Originals, which combines Robbins' focus on single-player gameplay with his experience in shooters and a unique magical twist. According to Robbins, the idea for a magic shooter stemmed from his time working on Call of Duty, where he learned how to create a great, big-budget shooter, but noticed a lack of similar games in the fantasy space. He saw this as a missed opportunity and decided to create a game that he would want to play himself. Robbins was not concerned about the viability of single-player games in the AAA space, despite the trend towards multiplayer games. He believed that if he could create a compelling story and gameplay, he could find an audience for his game. The development of Immortals of Aveum was not without its challenges, particularly in balancing the magical elements with the shooter mechanics. Robbins and his team spent several months working on a prototype to refine the core gameplay, which eventually caught the attention of EA. The game's magic system was designed to be powerful and intense, with a focus on creating a visceral feel that would appeal to fans of traditional shooters. While some magic-themed shooters have failed to achieve this balance, Robbins is confident that Immortals of Aveum will stand out in the market. He also believes that his experience working on Call of Duty will help him attract fans of the series to his new game, despite the different setting and gameplay. Ultimately, Robbins is driven by his passion for creating a game that he would want to play himself, and he is confident that there are enough players out there who share his vision.