Veterans of Playground Games Unveil Maverick Games, a New AAA Studio

Maverick Games, a newly-formed AAA game development studio, has been established by a group of industry veterans, including Mike Brown, the former creative director of the Forza Horizon series. The studio, based in Leamington Spa, is led by Brown, who is joined by other experienced professionals, including executive producer Tom Butcher, CTO Matt Craven, content director Gareth Harwood, and audio director Fraser Strachan. The team is complemented by art director Ben Penrose, who previously worked at Sharkmob, and UX/UI director Elly Marshall, formerly of EA. COO Harinder Sangha, an award-winning studio leader, will oversee the studio's operations. With an initial team of ten employees, Maverick Games plans to expand to 140 staff members and is currently working on an open-world, premium AAA game for consoles and PC. According to Brown, the studio's goal is to create a culture that encourages creative risk-taking, where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and opinions. Sangha, who has a reputation for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry, aims to create a studio where everyone feels valued and supported. The studio's name, Maverick Games, reflects the team's desire to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of game development. With a focus on creating a modern, hybrid, and remote work environment, Maverick Games is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming industry. Although the studio is not yet ready to reveal details about its upcoming game, Brown hints that it will be an open-world, AAA title that will react to the changing ways in which players consume entertainment, including the rise of subscription services. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Maverick Games is excited to embark on this new journey and make its mark on the gaming world.