Switch Lights

The lights are on

What's Happening

Robert Bowling Opens Game Studio

After abruptly leaving developer Infinity Ward in late March, former Call of Duty creative strategist Robert Bowling is opening a game development studio called Robotoki.

Speaking to Game Informer through e-mail today, Bowling said the decision to form his own company began immediately after resigning from his long-time position with Activision.

“Robotoki is focused on being a developer development studio that just happens to make games,” he said. “We are focused on our team first and everything else second, because I believe as an industry; we have a lot to learn on how to treat talent. While we continue to out stride film and music entertainment in other areas, we are falling severely behind in how to properly inspire and support our creative talent.

Bowling said Robotoki is completely self-funded and will only partner with those who support that model. “I wanted to create an environment where the creative vision holders held complete control over their work and could guide and maintain it from concept to execution."

Robotoki’s first project, which will be revealed later this year, is slated for release on next-gen consoles, PC, and mobile devices (iOS, Tablet, Android). “As a developer, our focus is on creating a universe first, experiences second, and game mechanics last, “ Bowling said. “With focus being on universe, we aim to create experiences that transcend platforms and genres and allow our players to connect to our world, their characters, and gameplay via any medium (console, PC, or mobile).

“However, how they experience the world is unique to their device. The mobile / tablet experience should not mimic the console or PC experience, it should be additive to it, not supplemental. Allowing them to support their console and PC experience, continue their progression, but by experiencing the world in a meaningful and unique way."

Bowling added, “Our focus is creating an experience that is no longer strictly single player, strictly co-op, or strictly multiplayer, but adapting the strengths of each of these into a unique experience that is fueled by the actions and contributions in each.”

Robotoki's website just opened and is already hiring for the upcoming project.

Comments
  • Hope to see some cool stuff, but not reliant on the idea
  • Only time will tell.
  • He could hire Christopher Albeluhn because he seems to be really great at his job, keep working on that awesome solar system add Chris.

  • http://1su.net/aIJ
  • Hmmm...
  • Well, this is nice to hear.
  • That sounds pretty awesome. Robert Bowling is really one of my favorite people in the industry.
  • Hopefully they'll do something great, and not a generic FPS.
  • Awesome. He seems like a pretty cool guy, and I like his views on the industry.

  • Indie games really are great. Glad to see the increase in indie developers lately.

  • I really believe Bowling will be able to create some awsome stuff! I've always thought he posses great talent... especially when you consider what he actually does for a game... and not make assumptions like most of you morons out there!!!!
  • The guy from IW is speaking out against the industry's lack of innovation? It was everyone but his studio was innovating. I'm glad hes moving on, but don't blame the industry for something that was largely his studio.
  • Can't wait to see what this game is, Robert Bowling is awesome.
  • I don't think anyone has ever started a company with a business model stipulating that creative control be co-opted. Games require money, money requires investors, and investors are not exactly the most creative source in the world. But it's their money, and unfortunately with that money comes a level of control that more often than not destroys creativity. So like every other company, Robotoki is going to start out with the best intentions, and with 95% certainty, I can tell you they will end up with the same problems as everyone else. I wish Mr. Bowling the best, but he's not the first idealist to try to revolutionize an industry. I hope he succeeds, because it would be better for everyone if he does, but the odds are stacked extremely high against him.
  • When he left, I thought he would join Respawn.

  • I'm not throwing away my money on their games.

  • Yup! I knew he left because his "genius" went under appreciated.

  • See, now we get to see what the real Robert Bowling sounds like, not the COD poster boy we all know.

  • Big talk.

  • This guy seems to have some good ideas and strong conviction... Hopefully the reality of game development doesn't crush them.  I for one wish his company the best

1 2 3 Next