Ascendant Studios Developers Launch Absurd Marin in California

In a significant shift within the gaming industry, a group of approximately 20 developers from Ascendant Studios, including the studio's former CEO, have embarked on a new journey by joining Dan Houser's Absurd Ventures. This new studio, named Absurd Marin, is located in San Rafael, California, and aims to create a fresh gaming experience. The announcement was made public through a press release, which revealed that Bret Robbins, the founder of Ascendant Studios and the former game director of the recently launched Immortals of Aveum, will lead this new venture.

Absurd Marin is set to focus on developing a "story-driven action-adventure" game, distinct from the other projects under Absurd Ventures, which are all part of the A Better Paradise universe. This move comes on the heels of significant layoffs at Ascendant Studios last fall, where nearly half of the workforce, around 40 employees, were let go due to disappointing sales of Immortals of Aveum. The layoffs were deemed necessary to ensure the studio's survival, but the situation worsened when reports emerged earlier this year indicating that most of the remaining staff had also been furloughed.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Ascendant Studios still operates, given that its CEO and a majority of its employees have transitioned to Absurd Marin. The last update from the studio's official social media account was posted on August 13, raising questions about its future. The gaming community is left wondering about the fate of the Immortals of Aveum franchise, especially after Robbins previously stated that the "story of Immortals isn't written yet." This statement hinted at potential developments that may now be in jeopardy.

Absurd Ventures, founded by Dan Houser, who is well-known for his work on the Grand Theft Auto series, aims to explore new themes in gaming, including artificial intelligence and addiction, through its upcoming projects. The collaboration with Lazlow Jones, a former writer and producer for GTA, adds another layer of experience to this new venture.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the formation of Absurd Marin signifies a new chapter for its founders and the developers involved. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by studios in the competitive gaming market. The future of Ascendant Studios and its projects remains a topic of speculation, but the emergence of Absurd Marin could lead to exciting new developments in the gaming world. Fans and industry observers alike will be keenly watching how this new studio shapes its narrative and what it brings to the table in the coming years.