The Resurgence of Playfusion: How Ascendant is Rising from the Ashes

Earlier this year, UK-based developer Playfusion unveiled Ascendant Infinity, a game that promises to shake up the online multiplayer landscape with its dynamic matches and unpredictable events. The title has since been rebranded as Ascendant, following feedback from the community. According to Playfusion's founder, Mark Gerhard, the team was thrilled with the initial reception of the game, with players, influencers, and press praising its innovative 'adaption shooter' gameplay mechanic. However, the studio is aware that the game is just the beginning of a much larger transmedia vision, one that has been in the works for nearly a decade. Gerhard reveals that a pilot for a TV show has been written, with the help of the creative minds behind the animated Netflix series Arcane, and that the studio holds patents for technology that will help link the show to the game. The goal is to create a seamless experience across different forms of entertainment, with players' characters appearing in the TV show. This ambitious plan is not without its risks, as Gerhard acknowledges that managing multiple products in different forms of entertainment can be challenging. Nevertheless, the studio is determined to push forward, driven by the conviction that transmedia is the future of the gaming industry. With a talented team, including former staff from Runescape developer Jagex and Eurocom, Playfusion is confident that it can deliver a world-class gaming experience that will appeal to a wide audience. The development process for Ascendant has been unique, with the team focusing on finding the fun and building the systems and mechanics before adding art to the game. This approach has allowed the studio to create a game that is both innovative and engaging, with a strong potential for long-term success. As the game prepares to launch into a crowded market, Playfusion's chief marketing officer, Murray Pannell, remains optimistic about its chances, citing the game's advanced features and the team's passion for the project. With a solid marketing strategy in place, the studio is ready to take on the challenge of breaking through in a competitive space and defying convention.