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Sledgehammer Games working on Call of Duty game

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:45:00 EST

When Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey left Visceral Games to form Sledgehammer Games with Activision, you may have jokingly speculated that the Dead Space creators set to work immediately on Call of Duty. After all, it was either that or Guitar Hero.

You would have been correct.

Activision today revealed that Sledgehammer is working on a Call of Duty game with a targeted 2011 release date, which will "extend the franchise into the action-adventure genre." No other details were released about the game, but it sounds more like a spinoff than a sequel. Third person, perhaps?

Sledgehammer Games working on Call of Duty game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's in a Name: Sledgehammer Games

David Hinkle — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:02:00 EST

It's been awhile since we've brought you the origin story of an industry presence, so here's what Glen Schofield had to say about coining his new studio, "Sledgehammer Games," during our recent chat:

"We wanted to establish, with more than just a name, our passion and dedication to the studio goals -- from building a world class culture and team, to delivering top quality games -- so we needed a brand for the studio. We started with a list of adjectives that reflect our personality, style and games we like to play and make. Some were hilarious, and some didn't have a chance of getting through legal approval. In the end, Sledgehammer Games always stuck out.

"We mocked up slogans for the studio in the same spirit. Slogans like 'hard hitting entertainment' and 'high impact games' seemed to capture the idea, and Sledgehammer nailed both really well. For us, the name Sledgehammer and logo felt right -- it's something that leaves its mark, and that's what we intend to do. We work hard and play hard, and in the end we plan to leave our mark within the gaming community.

"It worked out well for us as we can also have a lot of fun with the logo, website and other branding opportunities. In fact, I am getting it tattooed on my forehead tomorrow."

-Glen A. Schofield, GM and V.P. of Sledgehammer Games

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

What's in a Name: Sledgehammer Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision

David Hinkle — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

We don't have to tell you who Glen Schofield is. The guy's been cementing his name in the industry for years now, and considering his recent realignment from EA's banner to Activision's, starting a new studio in Sledgehammer Games, we all have a lot of questions. Let's get to it:

You were one of the individuals most responsible for bringing Dead Space to fruition -- one of Joystiq's best games of 2008. How difficult an endeavor was conceptualizing that game, and how willing -- in the way of providing resources -- was EA to create the game?

Dead Space was an idea I wanted to pursue for quite a few years while at EA. I brought the idea to the previous president when I believed the window was right for the game to fit within EA's portfolio. At the time, EA was largely leveraging licensed IPs, and getting support for a new IP concept was tough. I really appreciated the opportunity he gave us. Fortunately, we had a passionate team of developers who poured a ton of energy into converting our skeptics into believers. In the end, the critical response by fans and the press is something myself and the entire team are very proud of.

Visceral Games (formerly EA Redwood Shores) is still an EA studio, currently wrapping up Dante's Inferno. When you began Dead Space, Game Informer #174 -- the official unveiling -- called you guys a "renegade team." Who was on that team, and how did you earn that "renegade" status?

Continue reading Interview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision

Interview: Glen Schofield on Dead Space, Sledgehammer Games and the transition from EA to Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space 2 producer confirms Sprawl, doesn't sweat Schofield departure

David Hinkle — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST

Dead Space 2 is shaping up to be quite the sequel, as executive producer Steve Papoutsis told CVG a lot of what we've heard about the Game Informer cover story is in fact true: engineer Isaac Clarke is a lot more vocal in the sequel and won't be confined to the claustrophobic corridors of the Ishimura. Instead, he's now an inhabitant of the space metropolis Sprawl.

Papoutsis did more than validate suspicions in his interview, as he also pointed out a greater focus on action and telekinesis in the sequel. See, Isaac won't just be able to move objects around, but he'll be able to destroy those objects and employ their debris as offensive weaponry. In fact, Isaac can even use dismembered enemy limbs to kill more enemies. It's kinda like when that bully at recess used to make you punch yourself, except he's sliced your arm off first and is firing it toward you at blue hedgehog-like speed.

Of course, an interview about Dead Space 2 can't go by without discussing the sudden departure of Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey, the two gentlemen now running Sledgehammer Games for Activision. Papoutsis said that most of the team from the first game is on board for the sequel, and that it "takes a lot more than 2 people to make a great game." We hope so, because we have high hopes for this sequel.

Dead Space 2 producer confirms Sprawl, doesn't sweat Schofield departure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Visceral Games staff find new home with Activision's 'Sledgehammer Games'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

It's official: Visceral Games staffers Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey (best known for Dead Space) have taken positions at a new Activision studio in Foster City, California, called Sledgehammer Games. This tidily clears up two rumors we've been hearing. Yes, Schofield and Condrey went to Activision. Yes, the trademark for "Sledgehammer Games" is for their new studio!

As for the small matter of what the studio is doing ... all Activision says is that it's an "as-yet-unannounced new videogame." It might be called Bloodhunt. It might be an "innovative" action game. Kotaku posits that it might even be Activision's new James Bond game, given that Schofield worked on From Russia with Love back at EA. Whatever it is, we're sure it will be totally visceral ... you know, like a hit from a sledgehammer.

As a service to those of you thinking about it anyway (i.e. all of us), we've got the Peter Gabriel video after the break.

Continue reading Ex-Visceral Games staff find new home with Activision's 'Sledgehammer Games'

Ex-Visceral Games staff find new home with Activision's 'Sledgehammer Games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visceral execs wooed away from EA by Activision [update]

David Hinkle — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Update: An EA spokesperson confirmed to IndustryGamers that the two have indeed flown the coop. There's no word on replacements for them as of yet, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.

Original post: EA's Visceral Games (formerly EA Redwood Shores) may have lost two key personnel, if a rumor originating at GameSpot is to be believed. General manager Glen Schofield and COO Michael Condrey supposedly jumped ship to rival Activision, with a memo circulating at Visceral apparently describing the departure of the execs. Schofield is best known as the guy behind Dead Space, whereas Condrey got his start by directing this Levi's commercial.

This news comes following some job listings (via superannuation) for a San Mateo-based studio with Activision. The company currently has nothing in the area, so this lends credence to the rumor that Activision is looking to start up something around the Bay. Add what Schofield and Condrey bring to the table and you have the makings of a fine studio.

Inside sources close to GameSpot said the departure follows weeks of rumors circulating about Activision aggressively pursuing Visceral talent. We've put in word to EA and Activision for comment and will be sure to get back to you if we hear anything.

[Via Big Download]

Visceral execs wooed away from EA by Activision [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space Extraction is EA 'experiment' in mature content for Wii

Randy Nelson — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EST

In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, Glen Schofield, VP and general manager of the recently re-branded Visceral Games, said that the EA studio's upcoming Wii title Dead Space Extraction is an experiment in mature content on the platform for the publisher.

Asked how he felt given the large portion of Nintendo's userbase seemingly disinterested in mature games, Schofield remarked, "I'm confident -- it is an experiment, but there's going to be 50 million Wiis out there by the time the game comes out, so if you only hit 2 per cent of the installed base and you've got a huge number."

Schofield also pointed to other publishers' attempts at tapping this market, no matter how small it may be, while managing to work in a dig on the low overall scores of most Wii titles. "There have been some [mature games] already, Resident Evil and House of the Dead, that have done really well," he said. "So we're pushing for that 80-plus-rated game, and that'll put you in the top 5 per cent of all Wii games... because most do not have a great score."

Dead Space Extraction is EA 'experiment' in mature content for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Redwood Shores becomes Visceral Games, gets moody logo

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:45:00 EST

EA Redwood Shores (aka EARS), an internal development studio within EA, was suffering a bit of an identity crisis. Known for making some of EA's best and brightest stuff -- including last year's Dead Space and the upcoming Dante's Inferno -- the studio just didn't feel right with such a ... less than descriptive name. That changed today, as its parent company EA announced a rebranding of the studio, now dubbed Visceral Games.

And while the studio is still working on the aforementioned Dante's Inferno as well as the now Wii-ified spin-off of Dead Space, titled Dead Space: Extraction, it's also apparently working on "two other unannounced titles." Little did we know! The studio claims to be identifiable as one with a "focus on creating intense action-oriented intellectual properties," a claim that needs little substantiation considering its back catalog. Now, can we hear a little bit more about those two unannounced titles please?

EA Redwood Shores becomes Visceral Games, gets moody logo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WSJ explores claims of racism in Resident Evil 5

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal's Jamin Brophy-Warren has a piece today exploring the racial connotations some are seeing in Capcom's latest effort, Resident Evil 5. The game's producer Jun Takeuchi recently said, "There is no racial element to it at all," and Capcom's Chris Kramer expands on that point, stating to the WSJ that the game adopts an "anti-colonialist" stance. Mr. Kramer is referring to white protagonist Chris Redfield, shooting his way through RE5's African non-zombies, and the imagery it represents with regards to traditional Western colonialism on the continent.

The theme of the piece is one of exploring whether or not the game is racist, rather than starting with a condemnation and then going forward like we've seen so many times in mainstream video game coverage. He speaks to a variety of major game developers (from Fallout 3's Todd Howard to Dead Space's Glen Schofield) and even broaches the topic of racism in American society being perpetuated by a largely caucasian game industry. Surprisingly, no sweeping claims are made and no aspersions cast. Bravo, we say!

WSJ explores claims of racism in Resident Evil 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's Glen Schofield hopes Sony can 'figure it out'

Majed Athab — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:05:00 EST

Speaking to GI.biz, EA Redwood Shores manager Glen Schofield expressed hope that Sony can figure out what to do with PS3's relatively high price tag in a time of economic woe. The conglomerate faces massive losses from its computer entertainment division and declining sales for its flagship console, but Sony doesn't seem to see a problem. Some suggest a price cut would be beneficial (and believe is actually on the way), but Schofield isn't sure it's the best direction: "You know, I can't tell them what to do. I don't know their finances."

So what is Sony to do? It seems like the company is caught between a rock and a hard place. "They've been such a great, great partner," said Schofield. "I hope they get out of this and they figure it out and they're around for a long time." If outsiders like Schofield are worried for Sony ... imagine what its employees are feeling.

EA's Glen Schofield hopes Sony can 'figure it out' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's Schofield sticks to 'quality games' mantra

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST

Though EA's pledge to focus on quality games and new IP may have resulted in critical approval and a more positive image among gamers, the company has still been forced to take serious financial cost-cutting measures in recent months. Thankfully, Glen Schofield, manager of EA's Redwood Shores studio, isn't about to let some unpleasant realities get in the way of staff morale and a commitment to top-notch titles.

"I said, look, I can't tell you if this is the end or not, but we're making some great games here," Schofield relayed to GI.biz. "If we continue to make great games, if we continue to push this, we're not going to lose our jobs. Because we're making great stuff." The studio hopes to follow up the positively received but commercially disappointing survival-horror, Dead Space, with potentially great stuff like The Godfather II and hellish actioner Dante's Inferno.

Schofield reportedly told his staff, "People who aren't making great games are going to lose their jobs. But if you're making quality and we continue to push on that, and you're a quality person then you're going to keep your job." That almost sounds like a threat, doesn't it? Talk about the man(tra) sticking it to you.

EA's Schofield sticks to 'quality games' mantra originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA exec: 'Industry' slowly discovering rest of calendar

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:23:00 EST

Glen Schofield, general manager of EA's Redwood Shores, seems to think publishers are slowly having epiphanies about the illogical decision to cram every major release into the last quarter of the calendar year. Speaking with GI.biz, he states the "the industry" is finally recognizing that it could launch blockbusters during the summer and, if the title is good, it could still do well. The comment comes after EA's Mirror's Edge and Dead Space failed to meet sales projections. Both titles were new IPs dropped into the madness of the holiday season.

Gamers and the game press have been screaming for years that the overall release schedule needs to change. BioShock's solid August launch -- and significant press coverage -- is currently the go-to example of stepping outside the Q4 circus for a new game. Even high-profile franchises like GTA IV (April '08) and Resident Evil 5 (March) avoided the holiday mess. Times are slowly changing, but don't expect the holiday overdrive to be gone just yet.

[Image]

EA exec: 'Industry' slowly discovering rest of calendar originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space dev diary: Zero-gravity gameplay

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360

Not that we needed any more convincing, but this video has made it quite clear that Dead Space is going to float our boat. Also, our space crates, malformed monsters, severed heads and whatever other detritus happens to be in a room robbed of its gravity. It's nice to know that despite the game's claustrophobic interiors and highly pressurized situations, we'll occasionally be set free from Newton's irritating pull and soar right into the gaping maw of space.

(Note: The video is lying about the release date.)

Dead Space dev diary: Zero-gravity gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space engine being primed as middleware tool

Ross Miller — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Business

The development team working on Dead Space is hoping its engine becomes a new middleware tool in the vein of Unreal Engine and id Tech. Speaking with Gameplayer, Executive Producer Glen Schofield said the company is in the process of working with lawyers to figure out the legalese for officially naming the engine, which was originally used for The Godfather and From Russia with Love.

It's unclear if the intention is to use the engine in-house for EA or market it to other developers for licensing, although according to the article Schofield cited the success of Unreal Engine 3 and how other studios have contributed to its success by adding more technology. Dead Space's engine, which we'd suggest be called simply "Dead Engine," is currently being used for Godfather 2. Dead Space will try to administer a dose of the heebie jeebies (to most places) on October 14.

Dead Space engine being primed as middleware tool originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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