A team of veteran developers behind games like Sid Meier’s Civilization, xcomand The Sims have announced the establishment of Midsummer Studios, as well as teasing their in-development “next-generation entry” to the life simulation genre.
Midsummer Studios was founded in Hunt Valley, Maryland by creative director Jake Solomon and game director Will Miller, both formerly of Firaxis, and COO and CFO Nelsie Birch, who has 25 years of experience in financial and business management. operations.
The studio launched with $6 million raised from major investors. Transcend Fund led the round and is joined by Tirta Ventures, Betaworks Ventures, 1Up Ventures, F4 Fund, KRAFTON and Day Zero Productions.
The studio’s upcoming life simulation game promises to emphasize player-driven narratives, allowing communities to share memorable moments that arise from player creativity.
“The best stories in games are written by players,” Midsummer Studios CEO and Creative Director Jake Solomon said in a press release. “In Midsummer we are creating a life simulator focused on the drama of modern life, where our players will write meaningful stories just by playing and then share them with the world.”
Shanti Bergel, Founding Partner of Transcend, added: “Leading the seed for Summer Solstice was a natural fit for Transcend. As a producer in The Sims As a nearly twenty-year-old myself, I know well the power that meaningful, player-driven stories can unlock. I also have an abiding respect for how difficult it is to deliver the alchemy of community, system design, gameplay, and user-generated content necessary to do so. The founders of Midsummer are industry veterans with the rare experience and design artistry necessary to take advantage of this great opportunity. “I am delighted to join the board and support their journey to redefine the life simulation category.”
The studio’s roster has already added acclaimed talent and executive producer Grant Rodiek, who previously worked at Maxis for 18 years as a producer and director on several installments and expansions of The Sims.
Visit the studio’s official website. here.