ProbablyMonsters Expands with New Studio Hidden Grove

ProbablyMonsters, founded by former Bungie CEO Harold Ryan in 2016, has undergone significant developments despite not having released a game yet. The company has established three studios - Cauldron, Firewalk, and Battle Barge - with Firewalk being sold to publishing partner Sony, and Cauldron's debut project canceled. Now, ProbablyMonsters has announced another studio, Hidden Grove, which is currently hiring. This move to expand comes after industry-wide contractions and the company's own decision to part ways with Firewalk. According to Ryan, this growth is part of the company's long-term plan. Ryan states, 'We've always intended to expand and grow strategically since our inception at ProbablyMonsters. Although we're not immune to the industry's fluctuations, we continually assess and adapt our business, investing in opportunities as we see them.' ProbablyMonsters aims to support game developers and create new IP, addressing the needs of gamers. The company's central services team enables its development studios to work together effectively. Hidden Grove, led by general manager Chris Opdahl, a former Bungie employee who reunited with Ryan to start the development team almost four years ago, has been operating in the background. Opdahl has grown the team slowly to maintain the company culture and explore new ideas. The studio's first project, an original multiplayer competitive adventure game built on Unreal Engine 5, remains unannounced. Ryan chose Opdahl for the role due to his leadership abilities, which have earned him a strong bond with highly talented individuals. The Hidden Grove leadership team includes co-founding design directors Raylene Deck and Grant Mackay, who previously worked with Opdahl on Destiny, as well as executive producer Lori Ada Kilty, art director Jedd Chevrier, senior engineering director Dean Johnson, and narrative director Kate Welch. In addition to the Hidden Grove announcement, ProbablyMonsters has appointed Adam Rymer as its new chief product officer. Rymer's background spans various media and entertainment properties, including a five-year tenure as president of Nerdist Industries and executive roles at Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures. Despite attracting top talent and making headlines, ProbablyMonsters has yet to release a game eight years after its establishment. Ryan remains committed to the company's vision and approach to game development, prioritizing the development of talented teams to create exceptional games over rapid market release. Although Ryan cannot provide specific timelines, he assures that the company is dedicated to delivering high-quality games that will delight a variety of players.