Avalanche opens new studio

Swedish developers Avalanche Studios, best known for the Just Cause series and this week's release Just Cause 2, have announced that they are establishing a new development studio called Expansive Worlds that will focus on casual and online games. The first of these are The Hunter, a game Avalanche Studios developed and then re-acquired the rights for from troubled publisher Emote Games.

Expansive Worlds will announce their continued plans for The Hunter soon, and will use the Avalanche technology to build future titles in the segment.

Three quotes from the press release:

"I'm excited to join Expansive Worlds and thrilled to leverage the existing technology to provide unprecedented experiences. The industry needs innovative products using innovative business models, and this is where we take the lead.", commented Expansive Worlds' managing director Stefan Pettersson.

"Expansive Worlds plays a very important part in our long-term strategy in creating and owning innovative intellectual properties. The games industry is still in a state of confusion and uncertainty at the moment and we are very proud being able to show a clear path to move the Avalanche Studios group successfully into the future and beyond.", comments Christofer Sundberg, Founder & Creative Director of Avalanche Studios.

"By using our powerful proprietary technology, The Avalanche Engine, we are in a position to excel in the highest quality segment. The same engine is also featured in the critically acclaimed game Just Cause 2, and was recently voted 'Top 10 Game Engine of this generation' by gaming website IGN. When used in this context the engine provide for exciting opportunities to create experiences not normally associated with that market segment.", comments Linus Blomberg, Founder & Chief Technology Officer of Avalanche Studios.

(Pictured The Hunter)