Newly Branded Development Teams Reflect “Franchise First” Model to Strengthen Autonomy of Studios with Signature Games and Genres from MMORPG to FPS and Superhero Titles
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Daybreak Games today announced its “Franchise First” initiative in the form of a business structure that establishes three new individual creative franchise studios — Dimensional Ink Games, Darkpaw Games and Rogue Planet Games. Building on the success of the teams that introduced genre-defining games and franchises including DC Universe™ Online, EverQuest® and PlanetSide®, this business model is the result of a long-term strategy designed to amplify the existing franchises while enabling each studio to further foster its unique identity, community and culture.
By allowing the identities of each of these studios to thrive under their individual studios, each team will have the flexibility to continue their work developing current and upcoming games, recruiting new talent and building upon the legacy of their respective franchises.
Dimensional Ink Games in Austin develops and operates DC Universe™ Online, the one-of-a kind DC Super Hero-based MMORPG enjoyed by millions across PC and consoles. Dimensional Ink will be led by Jack Emmert, the mastermind behind City of Heroes, Star Trek Online, and Neverwinter. The studio will continue to support DCUO while developing its next high-profile action MMO project starting in 2020.
“Crafting iconic MMORPG experiences has always been Daybreak’s lifeblood,” said Emmert. “We intend to continue that legacy and grow Dimensional Ink, Darkpaw Games and Rogue Planet Games into the future. Whether it’s DC Universe™ Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, PlanetSide 2 or our future projects, we’ll be giving players their ideal fantasy game experiences for years to come.”
Darkpaw Games will be focusing on EverQuest, one of the most legendary MMORPG IPs recognized worldwide. Holly Longdale will continue to lead the studio as its Executive Producer. Darkpaw’s mission is to continue to expand upon the unique and amazing fantasy adventure that is EverQuest and EverQuest II and develop the next innovation for the franchise.
Rogue Planet Games, the studio branch in San Diego that broke new ground in the massively multiplayer first-person shooter genre with PlanetSide and Planetside 2, will be working to craft even more new and unique experiences in the space under Executive Producer Andy Sites at the helm. The team is looking to develop its next genre-defining experience for fans of shooters under its new banner.
Additional details and information regarding career opportunities can be found at the websites for Dimensional Ink Games, Darkpaw Games and Rogue Planet Games.
About Daybreak Games
Daybreak Games is a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games and emergent gameplay best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, DC Universe™ Online, EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, PlanetSide® 2, and H1Z1®. Daybreak also publishes the Lord of the Rings Online™ and Dungeons & Dragons Online® for Standing Stone Games. The award-winning publisher, developer and creator of compelling online entertainment for a variety of platforms is headquartered in San Diego, and has development studios in Austin, TX and Boston, MA.
Dimensional Ink Games
Everyone wants to be a hero, and Dimensional Ink is the team to deliver them exactly that. Led by legendary MMORPG designer Jack Emmert, the Austin, Texas-based development team is drawing not only from their past with the fan-favorite free-to-play DC Universe™ Online, but also Emmert’s expertise from City of Heroes, Star Trek Online, and Neverwinter to craft the finest — and most fun! — experiences MMORPG fans have ever seen. With more than 20 years developing iconic game worlds under its belt, Dimensional Ink is an incredible place for developers and fans alike.
Darkpaw Games
Based in San Diego, CA, Darkpaw Games is the studio that ushered the iconic EverQuest series into legendary status. Filled with passionate players and creators who love MMORPGs, the teams continue to expand EverQuest and EverQuest II. From the game that changed the world of online gaming to even more immersive experiences, Darkpaw Games will continue to inspire and surprise players for decades to come.
Rogue Planet Games
With its award-winning PlanetSide franchise, Rogue Planet Games changed the face of the first-person shooter forever. With PlanetSide 2, it continued that legacy and crafted one of the best massively multiplayer games of all time. Now, it looks to build off the revolutionary titles it created to give MMOFPS players exactly what they want. The San Diego-based developer is filled with FPS fanatics who are passionate about continuing to build innovative experiences for players who log on to take aim at their opponents.
Contacts
Joy Fox
Daybreak Games
Director of Global Communications
JFox@daybreakgames.com
Taylor Cocke
B/HI on behalf of Daybreak Games
Taylor_Cocke@bhimpact.com
