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Ex-Ensemble devs form new studio, will create Halo Wars DLC

18.02.2009
When Ensemble Studios was putting the finishing touches on the upcoming Xbox 360 real time strategy game , many were shocked to find out that the developer, who had also been responsible for the series, upon completion of the project. Not only would many great developers be out of work, but one of the most important Xbox 360 titles would be without a developer for post-release content. Both of those fears were calmed today when the founders of Ensemble Studios announced the formation of Robot Entertainment, a studio comprised of many former Ensemble staffers.

In a press release sent out by the company, Robot Entertainment confirmed its dedication to working with Halo Wars publisher Microsoft Games Studios to create new Halo Wars content, as well as keeping its online community vibrant (as well as Age of Empires). Additionally, Robot Entertainment will be developing its own IP, though no publisher or console was revealed to be the recipient. You can read the press release in its entirety below.

Founders of Ensemble Studios Announce Formation of Robot Entertainment

PLANO, Texas - February 17, 2009 - Robot Entertainment announced today the formation of its new game development studio in Plano, Texas. Founded by many of the original founders of Ensemble Studios, Robot has a staff of 45 comprised entirely of former Ensemble employees. Robot's team developed the hit franchise Age of Empires(tm), selling over 20 million units worldwide, and the soon-to-be released Halo Wars for Xbox 360(tm). Tony Goodman, the founder of Ensemble, is the CEO of Robot.

"The video game industry is in a state of upheaval," said Mr. Goodman, "not just games, but the entire landscape. Everything is changing: where we buy games, how we buy games, how much we pay, how long we play, who we play them with. As a fast-moving independent team of game developers, industry leaders and market experts, Robot Entertainment is ideally positioned to play a transformative role in the industry's future."

Robot Entertainment is working with Microsoft Game Studios to develop additional content for Halo Wars and support online gaming and community for both Age of Empires and Halo Wars. Additionally, Robot is developing its own original IP.