Wildlife has backed another new start-up packed with experienced game-makers: this time it’s 8-Bit Bandits, a new Stockholm-based studio that was officially announced today.
You’ll be a little familiar with the studio already if you’ve been reading our jobs weekly column; we reported on Robert Woodburn’s move to the start-up back in August, and Stephen Jarrett’s switch to 8-Bit Bandits in September. We’ve also reported on associate art director Nana Li and UI/UX lead Heather Murray‘s departure from King to join Woodburn and Jarrett. The studio was officially announced today.
As part of the announcement Wildlife said the studio will focus on “new global mobile social experiences that recapture the classic couch co-op feel.”
Cofounders Jarrett and Woodburn have lengthy CVs. Jarrett has credits on games from his time at Bullfrog, Disney/Pixar, Warner, Namco Bandai, Nickelodeon and King. Woodburn is a former design leader at King, and together the duo worked on King’s recent auto-runner Crash Bandicoot: On the Run.
Jarrett commented: “The partnership between 8-Bit Bandits and Wildlife Studios gives us the freedom to concentrate on creating compelling game experiences. The backing of experienced mobile game developers like Wildlife Studios gives us the creative support and autonomy we need, a publishing platform, and distribution expertise. There is an instant alignment of values on what makes a great game and a great studio”.
Woodburn added: “Over the years, even multiplayer games have begun to feel lonely and isolating. Partnering with Wildlife Studios lets us focus on creating games where people can play, connect, and create memories with friends and family.”
The news follows Wildlife’s announcement of Stellar Core last week, a studio packed with ex-Seriously talent and cofounded by ex-Supercell designer Touko Tahkokallio and former Best Fiends game lead Serdar Soganci.
