Former World of Warcraft developers set up new studio

Eight developers who spent years working on World of Warcraft at Blizzard have started their own game studio under the name Notorious Studios. The studio is working on a new multiplayer RPG, but has not announced any details about it yet.

Eight former World of Warcraft developers founded Notorious Studios. That’s the same name as the WoW guild that many of the developers involved were in. The intention is to expand the studio, but initially it will remain a small business. Next year the studio wants to grow to twelve employees.

Notorious is working on a new multiplayer RPG, but is not giving any concrete details yet. The makers do say that it is a game that matches the preferences of the developers. They also express their preference for core-rpg fantasy with an emphasis on combat.

Chris Kaleiki and Doug Frazer, among others, are members of Notorious Studios. Kaleiki spent thirteen years at Blizzard, developing classes and spells for World of Warcraft, among other things. Frazer was a gameplay engineer for that same game during his time at Blizzard.

Activision-Blizzard has recently come under fire for its negative culture within the company, which is said to include sexual abuse and harassment. Earlier this month, after an internal investigation, more than 20 employees left the company and action was taken against more than 20 other employees.

The founders of Notorious Studios already left Blizzard in October last year, but say the revelations there are now affecting them too. In an interview with VentureBeat, they say they are pursuing a much flatter corporate culture, without leaders or directors. According to the founders, a rigid hierarchy and the power relations that go with it, promote intimidation.