402 Starts New Dev Studio

[woowoo]

I don't know - what do you think? What about his "vision"? - woo2

Robert Bowling Opens Game Studio





After abruptly leaving developer Infinity Ward in late March, former Call of Duty creative strategist Robert Bowling is opening a game development studio called Robotoki.

Speaking to Game Informer through e-mail today, Bowling said the decision to form his own company began immediately after resigning from his long-time position with Activision.

“Robotoki is focused on being a developer development studio that just happens to make games,” he said. “We are focused on our team first and everything else second, because I believe as an industry; we have a lot to learn on how to treat talent. While we continue to out stride film and music entertainment in other areas, we are falling severely behind in how to properly inspire and support our creative talent.



Bowling said Robotoki is completely self-funded and will only partner with those who support that model. “I wanted to create an environment where the creative vision holders held complete control over their work and could guide and maintain it from concept to execution."

Robotoki’s first project, which will be revealed later this year, is slated for release on next-gen consoles, PC, and mobile devices (iOS, Tablet, Android). “As a developer, our focus is on creating a universe first, experiences second, and game mechanics last, “ Bowling said. “With focus being on universe, we aim to create experiences that transcend platforms and genres and allow our players to connect to our world, their characters, and gameplay via any medium (console, PC, or mobile).

“However, how they experience the world is unique to their device. The mobile / tablet experience should not mimic the console or PC experience, it should be additive to it, not supplemental. Allowing them to support their console and PC experience, continue their progression, but by experiencing the world in a meaningful and unique way."

Bowling added, “Our focus is creating an experience that is no longer strictly single player, strictly co-op, or strictly multiplayer, but adapting the strengths of each of these into a unique experience that is fueled by the actions and contributions in each.”

Robotoki's website just opened and is already hiring for the upcoming project.


source: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/a...me-studio.aspx

[rudedog]

Probable turn out to be a good console company. As for trying to sell PC customers a PC game? I would not trust him as far as I could throw him....

[woowoo]

Originally Posted by rudedog

Probable turn out to be a good console company. As for trying to sell PC customers a PC game? I would not trust him as far as I could throw him....

I'm with you on that.

There is one thing that is interesting in what he says though - that they want to create a comprehensive "universe" based on the strengths of each platform.

So the PC is the best platform for FPS games based on the mouse / keyboard control and graphics power. But tablets and smart phones suck big time at being an FPS platform.

Yet I carry around an iPhone with me during waking hours. But if it supplemented my game of choice in some way, it could be interesting. You see BF3 trying to do some of this with the Battlelog being available on both the web and as an app for the iPhone. I don't know if anything compelling could be made but it is an interesting concept.

Its probably one of those things that look good on paper but will never work in the real world.

[rudedog]

Do you think he is talking about an FPS title? It would make more sense as a MMO or something other then an FPS.

Not sure who is going to work for him as all the rumors where most of the guys working at IW (the actual devs) did not like him much...

[69thPaladin]

As a developer, our focus is on creating a universe first, experiences second, and game mechanics last

When I translate that, I hear:

"Envision something great, develop something mediocre, deliver crap"

Who wants to buy a game with poor game mechanics? And he admits it?!?!?!

[woowoo]

Originally Posted by 69thPaladin

When I translate that, I hear:

"Envision something great, develop something mediocre, deliver crap"

Who wants to buy a game with poor game mechanics? And he admits it?!?!?!

I believe you've nailed it on the head.

Originally Posted by rudedog

Do you think he is talking about an FPS title? It would make more sense as a MMO or something other then an FPS.

Like you, I don't see how this would work with an FPS.

[GaSplat]

The new logo does bear a resemblance to the top down view of a toilet. Coincidence? I think not.

[Neil]

Surprised he didn't use the troll face as his logo...

[ibleedv20]

I always tried to give Bowling some slack because I always thought he was on a short leash no matter how he presented himself.

But when I read drivel like this:

“Robotoki is focused on being a developer development studio that just happens to make games,”

I think he is working overtime trying to create the niche he wants to fill.
This sounds like helping indie devs.........well DEVELOP.
Bowling has been contributing to Kickstarter projects and maybe he is greasing the wheels.

he said. “We are focused on our team first and everything else second, because I believe as an industry; we have a lot to learn on how to treat talent."

I have a hard time seeing him as the guy who was concerned for the others working in the sweatshop. This sounds like PR to lay more groundwork so he can be a broker of talent.

[zeroy]

Originally Posted by ibleedv20

Bowling has been contributing to Kickstarter projects and maybe he is greasing the wheels.

he said. “We are focused on our team first and everything else second, because I believe as an industry; we have a lot to learn on how to treat talent."

I have a hard time seeing him as the guy who was concerned for the others working in the sweatshop. This sounds like PR to lay more groundwork so he can be a broker of talent.

Could he be the dude behind the reason why Police Warfare went off Kickstarter?

[69thPaladin]

What it really sounds like, is he wants to take the credit for developing games, without actually doing any development. Let someone else do that.