EA Partners with New Studio to Develop Fantasy Shooter from Former Call of Duty Veterans

The development of the cult classic Dead Space was a unique experience for its team, who would later go on to form Sledgehammer Games and work on the Call of Duty series. However, it's Dead Space that continues to be a topic of conversation for many of its former developers. One such developer, Bret Robbins, has now formed his own studio, Ascendant Studios, and is set to release its first game, Immortals of Aveum, in partnership with EA. The game is a fantasy first-person shooter that draws inspiration from Robbins' time working on Call of Duty, but with a magical twist. Robbins recalls looking at a level from Call of Duty and wondering what it would be like if the helicopters were replaced with dragons and the guns with magical spells. This idea eventually led to the creation of Immortals of Aveum, which promises to be a cinematic and fast-paced action game. Ascendant Studios was formed in 2018, and Robbins has been focused on building a team and creating a culture of transparency and avoiding crunch. The studio has hired several former Telltale Games employees and has established a foundation of open communication and a focus on work-life balance. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work, the team has been working hard to bring Immortals of Aveum to life. The game is a single-player title, which may seem counter to current industry trends, but Robbins believes that there is still a strong demand for single-player experiences. With the support of investor Brian Sheth and publisher EA, Ascendant Studios is well on its way to delivering a unique and engaging gaming experience.