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Avalanche falling on New York

Just Cause developer setting up new, AAA-focused shop in Big Apple; original project for next-gen platforms due in 2014.

The Big Apple may have lost a developer this week with THQ's closure of Kaos Studios, but it's getting one right back, courtesy of Avalanche Studios. Today, the Just Cause developer said that it plans to open a new studio in New York City this fall, aimed at creating new big-budget games.

Avalanche's new studio will focus on creating "large-scale, online-enabled original [intellectual property] for next-generation consoles, handhelds and PC." The Sweden-based company plans to staff the new studio with up to 50 developers within its first two years of operation.

Of note, Avalanche is targeting the studio's first game for "next-generation platforms." Former Mindspark Interactive creative director Roland Lesterlin will fill the director's chair on the project, which is due for release in 2014.

Heading up the new studio will be David Grijns, who has previously filled executive-level roles at Activision and Atari. Avalanche also noted that it is lending a team of senior staff from the studio's Stockholm headquarters to its new New York operations.

Tom Magrino
By Tom Magrino

Tom Magrino has covered the games industry since 2006. He's been compared to Steve Martin by Ozzy Osbourne and Daniel Craig by Tim Schafer. His voice, heard largely on GameSpot's podcast, recalls that of Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy bein' Magreen.

22 comments
jasonzilla11
jasonzilla11

Oh, Gamespot, you are so clever with your Just Cause jokes. :D

x-2tha-z
x-2tha-z

Just Cause 2 was a great game. But I think there was a missed opportunity with the DLC. Lots of missed opportunities, actually. They could've done so much with that huge world, but instead they just released weapon and vehicle DLC.

heroesfan261
heroesfan261

Please give me JC3 and this time with the ability to destroy buildings. Just Cause 2 was amazing BUT DAMMIT I WANT TO BLOW MORE **** UP!

pszone
pszone

iilsSue the next consle for xbox called xbox760 at the moment since heard it on gamespot last year

iiIsSueZ
iiIsSueZ

@pszone Please learn to spell, and calculate simple math. 360 x2 is not 760...

parrot_of_adun
parrot_of_adun

Oh, you Nords. Will you ever do anything that upsets me? (well, in my lifetime)

pszone
pszone

Well Gd News that Avalanche not working with edios or sqaureenix anymore since they opening big studio on there own and gd news that they makeing new games for next gen only for PS4, Xbox760 and Pc. Bad News Edios lost Avalanche but they still have OI Invterative and SqreaureEnix.

RatchetV1
RatchetV1

For some reason I thought New York was gonna get hit by an avalanche literally. It's funny because if I stopped & thought for one second I'd realize how that isn't even plausible. :P

ChiefFreeman
ChiefFreeman

Wow, Just Cause 2 looked fantastic on the current getn consoles. The draw distances were mindblowing. Just imagine a next gen Just Cause.....wow.

HaloPimp978
HaloPimp978

Would love to see a new JC, most underrated game of 2010.

holtrocks
holtrocks

Easiest name for a game to make puns

M4Ntan
M4Ntan

Best pun of 2011

catach
catach

Why am I commenting this? Just cause.

Torque203
Torque203

Why is Avalanche setting up a new studio in New York? Just cause. Thanks guys very informative

Dizzzyness
Dizzzyness

hopefully JC3 comes to this generation

Eddie619
Eddie619

I loved just cause 2, awesome graphics, hope just cause 3 will show up on the xbox 720.

SaitouZero
SaitouZero

Glad to hear that Avalanche is doing well. Just Cause 2 was one of my favorite games of 2010.

dark_rage864
dark_rage864

lol i actually thought an avalanche has hit NYC. lol

berto64
berto64

but how about Just Cause 3

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