The Entertainment Software Association today announced two new members: 38 Studios and Nival. The trade association for U.S. computer and video game publishers now has 33 members.
38 Studios is best known as the developer founded by former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. The studio is getting ready to ship its RPG Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (published by EA) next year. The studio is driven by such talent as R. A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane and Ken Rolston, lead designer of the well received RPGs Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
“At 38 Studios, we create exceptional products through the hard work and vision of our world-renowned artists and programmers,” said Jennifer MacLean, CEO of 38 Studios. “We are eager to join the membership ranks of the ESA and gain the support of an association that is actively promoting the growth and success of our industry.”
As for Nival, the company was started in 1996 and now has more than 200 employees and three development studios creating social strategy games. Some of its titles include Blitzkrieg, Silent Storm and Etherlords. Nival is currently publishing the recently launched King's Bounty: Legions and is developing Prime World, as well as several other unnamed cross-platform titles.
“Nival promotes innovation and creativity among its employees,” said David D Christensen, general manager of Nival’s North American office. “We felt it was an important step in our expansion into North America to include joining the ESA, which is dedicated to protecting the interests of video game developers and fostering creativity. We anticipate a fruitful partnership as we develop and publish innovative games for a wide audience of players.”
“These companies are at the forefront of our industry, leveraging the vast experience and talent of their creative teams to develop and publish quality entertainment enjoyed by gamers around the world,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA. “We look forward to working with these companies as we further our mission to fight piracy, protect the First Amendment liberties of video games, and position our industry for future growth.”
