Owlcat Studios: Committed to Hardcore RPGs While Expanding Ambitions
In a recent chat to celebrate Owlcat Studios’ 10th anniversary, co-founder and creative director Alexander Mishulin shared some exciting insights about the company’s journey and future plans. First off, the team remains firmly devoted to hardcore CRPG fans, and they’ve significantly expanded their workforce to tackle new challenges.
Mishulin emphasized their commitment to creating CRPGs, stating, “We love them, and we don’t want to stagnate.” He mentioned that they are exploring various methods to enhance their RPG experiences, aiming to craft games that not only entertain players but also inspire future developers.
The studio’s earlier titles followed a similar structure, where players often took on roles of leaders in state-level organizations. However, their new project, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, is set to shake things up with a fresh direction reminiscent of the beloved Mass Effect series. Fans can rest easy knowing that Owlcat isn’t abandoning its roots, which is a relief for those who cherish their unique style.
Owlcat is also working on another ambitious title, Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy, which builds on their existing CRPG engine while diving into the investigative gameplay. This marks a notable shift from their usual themes, promising a rich detective experience that feels innovative yet familiar.
The studio has seen tremendous growth, boasting around 600 employees now. This puts them in a league with other major RPG developers, with Larian and Obsidian also expanding their teams. While it’s unclear how many offices contribute to this workforce, we know that Owlcat’s roots trace back to Moscow, with its current base in Paphos, Cyprus.
With such a sizeable team, Owlcat is well-equipped to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. This dual approach could attract both action and hardcore RPG fans, similar to how BioWare successfully managed to deliver both Mass Effect and Dragon Age during their peak. Exciting times are ahead for Owlcat and its devoted followers!