It has been revealed this week that the games studio Neversoft, responsible for the creation of iconic games such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and later Guitar Hero games in the series, will be merging with Infinity Ward. Neversoft was first formed 20 years ago, back in July 1994, by Joel Jewett, Mick West, and Chris Ward. The merger will see the Neversoft name being resigned to part of gaming history, as it becomes part of the larger Infinity Ward studio, known for creating the hugely popular Call Of Duty game series.
The Legacy of Neversoft
Neversoft has had a significant impact on the gaming industry since its inception. The studio gained widespread acclaim with the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater in 1999, a game that revolutionized the skateboarding genre and became a cultural phenomenon. The success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater led to several sequels, each building on the innovative gameplay mechanics and solidifying Neversoft’s reputation as a leading game developer.
In addition to the Tony Hawk series, Neversoft also made a mark with the Guitar Hero franchise. After taking over the development of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Neversoft continued to push the boundaries of rhythm games, contributing to the series’ immense popularity. The studio’s ability to adapt and excel in different genres showcased its versatility and creativity.
The Merger with Infinity Ward
The news of the merger was originally leaked via an internal memo obtained by Giant Bomb, from Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg, who explained:
“As you know, Neversoft and Infinity Ward teamed up for the development of Call of Duty: Ghosts,” wrote Hirshberg. “And through that process, it became clear that the two studios have very complementary skill sets. Between these two excellent studios, it seemed like a single ‘super-studio’ could emerge.”
The collaboration between Neversoft and Infinity Ward on Call of Duty: Ghosts highlighted the synergy between the two studios. Neversoft’s expertise in creating engaging gameplay experiences and Infinity Ward’s mastery of first-person shooters combined to produce a well-received game. This successful partnership laid the groundwork for the merger, which aims to leverage the strengths of both studios to create even more compelling games in the future.
The memo also revealed that Neversoft co-founder and studio head Joel Jewett and studio director Scott Pease will be retiring from game development after the merger is complete. Their departure marks the end of an era for Neversoft, but their contributions to the gaming industry will not be forgotten. Last year, the Neversoft game studio supported Infinity Ward by developing the Extinction Mode for Call of Duty: Ghosts, further demonstrating the collaborative potential between the two teams.
The merger is expected to bring about a new era of innovation and excellence in game development. By combining the creative talents and technical expertise of Neversoft and Infinity Ward, the newly formed super-studio aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming. Fans of both studios can look forward to exciting new projects that blend the best elements of their previous works.
The merger of Neversoft and Infinity Ward represents a significant moment in the gaming industry. The legacy of Neversoft will live on through its contributions to iconic game franchises, while the combined strengths of the two studios promise a bright future for gamers. As the industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between these two powerhouses is sure to result in groundbreaking and unforgettable gaming experiences.
Source: Kotaku
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
