MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
The debut game from Jason West and Vince Zampella-founded studio Respawn Entertainment will be exclusive to the next Xbox, sources claim.
Two unrelated sources “familiar with the game” told Kotaku that the developer, which raised some of its funding through the EA Partners program, would not be releasing the title on PS4 or Wii U, but there would be a version for the Xbox 360 developed by an external studio.
Respawn’s first title is said to be a futuristic multiplayer-focused shooter, in which players can take on the role of foot soldiers or mech-style armoured exoskeletons.
The report indicated that the game could be a timed exclusive, but “neither source indicated that was the case”.
Sources also claimed that Respawn’s game will be powered by a modified version of the Source engine. The title will also be ‘always-online’, but it is unclear whether users will be able to play the game offline.
Respawn was formed in 2010 by Infinity Ward founders Jason West and Vince Zampella after they were fired from the Call of Duty developer by Activision under accusations of insubordination.
A lengthy legal battle followed their departure as the developer signed up publishing deal with Activision rival EA. The case was eventually settled in May last year, with claims suggesting that West and Zampella received tens of millions from Activision, although this has not been confirmed.
Despite recent company-wide restructuring at EA, Respawn Entertainment stated it was “business as usual” for the studio as it continues development on its first title.
