David Vonderhaar Takes a Leap of Faith with New Studio BulletFarm

David Vonderhaar, a renowned figure in the gaming industry, shocked fans in August 2023 by announcing his departure from Treyarch, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Call of Duty: Black Ops series. After 18 years of working on the iconic franchise, Vonderhaar has embarked on a new journey as the head of BulletFarm, a recently established AAA studio under the umbrella of NetEase. This unexpected move was not part of his initial plan, as he had contemplated retirement and traveling the country in his RV. However, the prospect of creative freedom and independence at BulletFarm proved too enticing to resist. Vonderhaar was drawn to NetEase's unique approach, which emphasizes supporting studios while allowing them to maintain autonomy. He believes that having the best idea for a game is not enough; it's equally important to have a structure that facilitates its development. The opportunity to work with a smaller team and have more control over the creative process was a significant factor in his decision. Vonderhaar notes that his experience working on large games with thousands of developers has been valuable, but it has also been restrictive. He hopes to apply the lessons he's learned to create something innovative and different with BulletFarm. The studio is currently focused on developing a first-person game set in an original world, with a focus on co-operative gameplay. Although details are scarce, Vonderhaar is excited about the prospect of making a game that is 'more nuanced, more personal, and more innovative' than his previous work. He acknowledges that starting a new studio comes with risks, but he's undeterred, believing that the pressure should be on those who are not willing to innovate. Vonderhaar is adopting a cautious approach to growth, following the 'five, fifteen, and fifty rule,' which involves starting with a core team, growing to fifteen people for prototyping, and then scaling up to fifty or more for full development. His goal is to create a studio where he can still know everyone's name, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Vonderhaar's decision to take a leap of faith with BulletFarm is a testament to his passion for innovation and his desire to push the boundaries of what's possible in game development.