Respawn Entertainment, LLCis an Americanvideo game development studiofounded in 2010 by Jason West andVince Zampellaand owned byElectronic Artssince 2017. West and Zampella previously co-foundedInfinity Wardand created theCall of Dutyfranchise, where they were responsible for its development until 2010.
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | April 12, 2010 |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Number of locations | 3 (2023)[1] |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Vince Zampella (CEO) |
| Products | Titanfallseries Apex Legends Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond Star Wars Jedi: Survivor |
Number of employees | 315 (2019) |
| Parent | Electronic Arts(2017–present) |
| Subsidiaries | Respawn Entertainment Vancouver Respawn Entertainment Wisconsin |
| Website | respawn |
Respawn's debut game, the first-person shooterTitanfall,was released in 2014. On December 1, 2017, the studio was acquired by EA. Its first game since the acquisition was the free-to-playApex Legends,released on February 1, 2019, followed byStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,released in November of that year. Respawn developedMedal of Honor: Above and Beyond,which included in its bonus features theAcademy Award-winning short documentaryColette.[2]
History
editJason West andVince Zampellahad been leads atInfinity Ward,a subsidiary ofActivisionfounded in 2002. Infinity Ward was a principal studio on theCall of Dutyseries, and in 2007, releasedCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,a critical success for the series. West and Zampella leveraged the success ofModern Warfareto renegotiate their contracts with Activision in 2008, asking for large bonuses and creative control of the series in exchange for releasingCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2in 2009, which Activision agreed to on the condition that the control would revert to Activision if the pair were fired. From that point, Activision sought ways to trigger that clause, and West and Zampella looked for ways to make Infinity Ward independent. Events came to a head in March 2010 when the two were fired from Activision, forfeiting their bonuses. Several lawsuits followed, with West and Zampella accusing Activision of unpaid bonuses while Activision countersued that the two had conspired withElectronic Arts(EA) to damage Infinity Ward, but these suits were ultimately settled out of court.[3]
In April 2010, a month after their release from Activision, West and Zampella set off to form a new independent studio, Respawn Entertainment. They sought funding from EA through the EA Partners Program. West and Zampella will retain the rights to allintellectual propertyproduced by them in the future.[4][5][6]As of July 10, 2010, 38 of the 46 Infinity Ward employees who resigned from that studio following the firings of West and Zampella revealed through theirLinkedInandFacebookprofiles that they had signed on with Respawn Entertainment.[7][8]
EA Games Label president Frank Gibeau revealed atE3 2011in June 2011 that Respawn Entertainment's EA-published shooter was "sci-fi oriented" and would allow the publisher to "compete with things likeGearsandHalo".[9]Gibeau also stated that EA would release Respawn's project when it saw an "opportunistic" window.[9]Later that month, Respawn released a blurry teaser image of its unannounced game via the official website launched that day.[10]Respawn further released another blurry image, and teased the new game with mo-cap shot.[11][12]West left the company in March 2013, with Zampella saying that his departure was "to take care of some family issues".[13]The following month, Respawn registered a trademark for the name Titan,[14]and it was reported that Respawn's game was an always-online Xbox exclusive, although nothing had been confirmed.[15]
In June 2013, Respawn Entertainment debutedTitanfallat E3. On October 22 they revealed the release date of the game to be March 11, 2014, in North America, and March 13 in Europe. In March 2015, it was announced that Respawn was developing a sequel,Titanfall 2,which was later released on October 28, 2016.
In June 2014, it was announced thatStig Asmussen,who previously worked forSanta Monica Studioon theGod of Warseries, had joined the studio as game director of a second project that had nothing to do withTitanfall.[16]From job listings in January 2016, it was found that the project was to be a third person action-adventure game.[17]On May 4, 2016 –Star WarsDay– Asmussen announced Respawn Entertainment was making a third-personStar Warsgame,[18]later revealed to beStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderatE3 2018.[19]
In October 2017, it was announced that Respawn Entertainment was developing avirtual realityfirst person shooter title for theOculus Rift,which was formally revealed asMedal of Honor: Above and Beyondin September 2019.[20][21]
In November 2017, Electronic Arts acquired the company forUS$151 millionin cash and up toUS$164 millionin equity.[22]The acquisition was completed on December 1, 2017.[23]
In February 2019, Respawn Entertainment debutedApex Legendsvia YouTubelivestream.This debut had no prior announcement or marketing. The game was released the same day as the livestream on February 4, 2019.[24]
On its tenth anniversary, Respawn announced it was opening a new studio inVancouver, British Columbia,to focus on ongoing development ofApex Legends.The studio is located on theEA Vancouvercampus as to be able to tap into their resources.[1]
On January 25, 2022, it was announced that Respawn was developing a sequel toJedi Fallen Orderalongside an original Star WarsFPSand astrategygame. Peter Hirshmann will direct the FPS and Bit Reactor will co-develop the strategy game.[25]
On March 20, 2023, Respawn announced they were opening a third studio to keepApex Legendsgoing for "10 to 15 years", this time inMadison, WisconsinwithCall of Dutyveteran Ryan Burnett to lead the company in that branch. Prior to his previous position at Epic Games as director of engine production, Burnett spent 14 years atCall of DutystudioRaven Software– just one of the major studios based in the area.[26]
In September 2023, it was announced that Asmussen had left to Respawn to pursue other creative endeavors.[27]In March 2024, "around two dozen" Respawn employees were laid off as part of EA's previously announced effort to cut 5% of its global workforce. It was also announced that theStar WarsFPS Respawn was developing had been canceled, with the fate of the strategy game being unclear.[28][29]
Colette
editColetteis a 24-minute short film directed byAnthony Giacchinothat was produced for inclusion inMedal of Honor: Above and Beyondas an installment in its Gallery series of short documentaries. The film follows formerFrench ResistancememberColette Marin-Catherineas she travels to Germany for the first time in 74 years to visit theMittelbau-Doraconcentration camp where her brother died at the hands of the Nazis.[30]
Of the Gallery shorts,Colettegarnered particular recognition for its cinematic value. Respawn and Oculus submitted it to various film festivals, including theBig Sky Documentary Film Festivalwhere it won the award for Best Short, making it eligible for submission to theAmerican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesfor awards consideration.[31]Subsequently,Colettewas nominated for and won theAcademy Award for Best Documentary Short Subjectat the93rd Academy Awards,making the short the first production by a video game company to win an Oscar.[32][2]
Games developed
edit| Year | Title | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Titanfall | Microsoft Windows,Xbox 360,Xbox One | |
| 2016 | Titanfall 2 | Microsoft Windows,PlayStation 4,Xbox One | |
| 2017 | Titanfall: Assault | Android,iOS | Co-developed with Particle City |
| 2019 | Apex Legends | Microsoft Windows,Nintendo Switch,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Xbox One,Xbox Series X/S | The Nintendo Switch version was co-developed byPanic Button |
| Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5,Stadia,Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions were co-developed by Panic Button | |
| 2020 | Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond | Microsoft Windows | |
| 2023 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | |
| TBA | UntitledStar Warsstrategy game[33] | TBA | |
| Untitled game by Steve Fukuda[34] | |||
| UntitledStar Wars Jedi: Survivorsequel[35] |
Canceled
edit| Year | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | UntitledStar Warsfirst-person shooter game | [36] |
References
edit- ^abValentine, Rebekah (May 18, 2020)."Respawn marks its ten-year anniversary with a new Vancouver studio".GamesIndustry.biz.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2020.RetrievedMay 18,2020.
- ^abSpangler, Todd (March 15, 2021)."Facebook Gets First-Ever Oscar Nomination for 'Colette' Documentary Short".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on June 2, 2023.RetrievedMarch 30,2021.
- ^Chafkin, Max (June 11, 2013)."Modern Warfare".Vanity Fair.Archivedfrom the original on February 9, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 2,2020.
- ^Pham, Alex; Ben Fritz (April 12, 2010)."Jason West and Vincent Zampella's new call of duty".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on April 13, 2010.RetrievedMay 21,2010.
- ^Grant, Christopher (April 12, 2010)."Respawn Entertainment announced by ex-IW heads, partnering with EA".Joystiq.Archivedfrom the original on August 17, 2016.RetrievedMay 21,2010.
- ^Reilly, Jim (April 12, 2010)."Infinity Ward Founders Developing A 'Big Blockbuster'".IGN.Archivedfrom the original on December 9, 2013.RetrievedMay 21,2010.
- ^"Who Remains At Infinity Ward?".Cynicalsmirk.Archivedfrom the original on December 30, 2020.RetrievedMay 21,2010.
- ^"Who Remains at Infinity Ward?".cynicalsmirk. May 25, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon July 20, 2012.RetrievedMay 25,2010.
- ^abAndy Robinson (June 8, 2011)."News: Respawn title is a 'sci-fi shooter', will 'compete with Halo, Gears' - EA".ComputerAndVideoGames.Archivedfrom the original on August 12, 2011.RetrievedMarch 28,2014.
- ^"News: Ex-Call of Duty boys tease new game with image".ComputerAndVideoGames. June 29, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on December 4, 2014.RetrievedMarch 28,2014.
- ^Cullen, Johnny (December 20, 2011)."Respawn releases another blurry image from first project".VG247.Archivedfrom the original on June 22, 2021.RetrievedMarch 28,2014.
- ^Cullen, Johnny (January 5, 2012)."Respawn further teases new game with mo-cap shot".VG247.Archivedfrom the original on July 24, 2021.RetrievedMarch 28,2014.
- ^Crecente, Brian (March 3, 2013)."Respawn Entertainment co-founder Jason West retires".Polygon.Vox Media.Archivedfrom the original on March 7, 2013.RetrievedMarch 21,2023.
- ^Phillips, Tom (April 16, 2013)."Respawn registers trademark for Titan".Eurogamer.net.Eurogamer.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2021.RetrievedMay 16,2013.
- ^Yin-Poole, Wesley (April 30, 2013)."Respawn game is reportedly an always-online Xbox exclusive".Eurogamer.net.Eurogamer.Archivedfrom the original on January 18, 2021.RetrievedMay 16,2013.
- ^Makuch, Eddie."E3 2014: Veteran God of War Dev Joins Titanfall Studio".Gamespot.Archivedfrom the original on August 14, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
- ^Nunneley, Stephany (January 12, 2016)."Titanfall studio hiring for new third-person action-adventure title".VG247.Archivedfrom the original on August 2, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 13,2016.
- ^Yin-Poole, Wesley (May 4, 2016)."Titanfall developer Respawn is making a third-person Star Wars game".Eurogamer.Archivedfrom the original on May 5, 2016.RetrievedMay 4,2016.
- ^Purchese, Robert (June 9, 2018)."Respawn's Star Wars game announced as Jedi: Fallen Order".Eurogamer.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2022.RetrievedJune 10,2018.
- ^Pierce, Tanner (October 11, 2017)."Respawn Entertainment Teaming With Oculus For New game".DualShockers.Archivedfrom the original on October 18, 2021.RetrievedOctober 12,2017.
- ^Campbell, Colin (September 25, 2019)."Respawn is making a new Medal of Honor game for VR".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2019.RetrievedSeptember 25,2019.
- ^McWhertor, Michael (November 9, 2017)."EA to acquire Titanfall developer Respawn".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on November 12, 2020.RetrievedNovember 10,2017.
- ^Makuch, Eddie (December 5, 2017)."EA Now Owns Titanfall Developer Respawn".GameSpot.Archivedfrom the original on July 19, 2019.RetrievedDecember 7,2017.
- ^Statt, Nick (February 4, 2019)."Respawn says it's 'putting a lot on the line' with Apex Legends' surprise launch".The Verge.Archivedfrom the original on February 7, 2019.RetrievedMay 18,2020.
- ^Arts, Electronic (January 25, 2022)."Electronic Arts & Lucasfilm Games announce new Star Wars titles from Respawn Entertainment".Electronic Arts Inc.Archivedfrom the original on March 25, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 25,2022.
- ^"Respawn opens third studio to keep Apex Legends going for '10 to 15 years'".GamesIndustry.biz.March 20, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2023.RetrievedMarch 20,2023.
- ^"'Star Wars' Video-Game Director Stig Asmussen Leaves Electronic Arts ".Bloomberg.September 13, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on September 13, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 13,2023.
- ^Bailey, Kat (March 14, 2024)."Respawn Hit by 23 Layoffs Amid EA's Ongoing Cuts, With Apex Legends Among the Games Impacted".IGN.RetrievedMarch 14,2024.
- ^Valentine, Rebekah (February 28, 2024)."Respawn's Star Wars FPS Is Canceled, But Work on Next Jedi Game, Black Panther and Iron Man Will Continue".IGN.RetrievedAugust 22,2024.
- ^Spangler, Todd (March 15, 2021)."Facebook Gets First-Ever Oscar Nomination for 'Colette' Documentary Short".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on October 19, 2021.RetrievedMarch 30,2021.
- ^"'Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond' Gallery Film 'Colette' Receives Oscar Nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject "(Press release). Oculus. March 19, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on October 20, 2021.RetrievedMarch 30,2021.
- ^Film, Guardian (March 15, 2021)."The full list of 2021 Oscars nominations".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on March 15, 2021.RetrievedMarch 15,2021.
- ^Yin-Poole, Wesley (March 4, 2024)."Star Wars Strategy Game Still Alive Following Mass Layoffs at EA".IGN.RetrievedMarch 20,2024.
- ^"Titanfall Director Making" Something New, "But It's Not More Titanfall".GameSpot.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2023.RetrievedMay 2,2023.
- ^McWhertor, Michael (September 25, 2023)."Star Wars Jedi: Survivor sequel in the works, star says".Polygon.Archivedfrom the original on October 4, 2023.RetrievedOctober 4,2023.
- ^"EA Cancels Respawn Star Wars Shooter Amid Mass Layoff".Kotaku.February 28, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
