After shutting down his company’s last chance Kickstarter for RTS/RPG Wildman, Gas Powered Games chief Chris Taylor has now sold the struggling studio to Wargaming, best known for the massive MMO World of Tanks.
Chris Taylor and the core few developers left will be staying on, though what they’re working on is still under wraps. Best guesses include Wildman in some form or the in-development opus Kings & Castles into which Gas Powered Games had already poured considerable time and effort. “Wargaming growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we’re looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world. I’m sure our experience and expertise will help us contribute even more to Wargaming’s global success,” Chris Taylor said.
The Rise and Fall of Gas Powered Games
Gas Powered Games, founded by Chris Taylor in 1998, quickly made a name for itself with the release of Dungeon Siege in 2002. The game was a commercial success and was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline. Following this, the studio released several other notable titles, including Supreme Commander, which was lauded for its strategic depth and large-scale battles. However, despite these successes, the studio faced financial difficulties in recent years. The Kickstarter campaign for Wildman was seen as a last-ditch effort to save the company, but it failed to meet its funding goal, leading to the eventual sale to Wargaming.
Wargaming’s Strategic Acquisition
Wargaming, a company that has seen exponential growth due to the success of World of Tanks, has been on a spree of acquisitions to expand its portfolio and expertise. The acquisition of Gas Powered Games is a strategic move to bolster its development capabilities and diversify its game offerings. With Chris Taylor and his team on board, Wargaming gains access to a wealth of experience in developing RTS and RPG games, genres that could complement their existing MMO titles.
The potential projects that Chris Taylor and his team might be working on are a subject of much speculation. Wildman, despite its failed Kickstarter, had generated significant interest due to its unique blend of RTS and RPG elements. There is a possibility that Wargaming might revive the project, leveraging its resources to bring Taylor’s vision to life. Another potential project is Kings & Castles, an ambitious RTS game that had been in development at Gas Powered Games before financial troubles halted its progress. With Wargaming’s backing, this project could also see the light of day.
Wargaming’s acquisition strategy is not just about expanding its game library but also about acquiring talent and technology. By bringing in experienced developers like Chris Taylor and his team, Wargaming can enhance its development processes and innovate in new areas. This move aligns with Wargaming’s long-term vision of becoming a leading global gaming company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality games.
The acquisition of Gas Powered Games by Wargaming marks a new chapter for both companies. For Gas Powered Games, it is an opportunity to continue developing innovative games under the umbrella of a financially stable and successful company. For Wargaming, it is a chance to diversify its game offerings and leverage the expertise of one of the industry’s most respected developers. The gaming community will be eagerly watching to see what exciting projects emerge from this collaboration.
Source Eurogamer
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