Daybreak Games Establishes Three New Mini Studios As Part Of Their ‘Franchise First’ Initiative

Daybreak Games is planning to divide and conquer their current and future projects with their new “Franchise First” initiative. As part of the initiative, Daybreak has established three new “franchise business units” a.k.a. mini-studios: Darkpaw Games, Rogue Planet Games, and Dimensional Ink Games.

“Building on the success of the teams that introduced genre-defining games and franchises including DC Universe Online, EverQuest, and PlanetSide, this business model is the result of a long-term strategy designed to amplify the existing franchises while enabling each studio to further foster its unique identity, community, culture and team.

By allowing the identities of each of these studios to thrive under their individual studios, each team will have the flexibility to continue their work developing current and upcoming games, recruiting new talent and building upon the legacy of their respective franchises.”

According to the official press release, San Diego-based Darkpaw Games will be led by Holly Longdale and will focus on the EverQuest franchise and developing future MMORPGs. Rogue Planet Games, also based in San Diego, will have Andy Sites at the helm and will be dedicated to PlanetSide, PlanetSide 2, and developing shooters. Last, but not the least, is Dimensional Ink Games. The Austin-based studio will be headed by Jack Emmert (City of Heroes, Neverwinter, Star Trek Online) and will be in charge of DC Universe Online and developing this year’s next action MMO.

“Crafting iconic MMORPG experiences has always been Daybreak’s lifeblood,” says Emmert. “We intend to continue that legacy and grow Dimensional Ink, Darkpaw Games and Rogue Planet Games. Whether it’s DC UniverseTM Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, PlanetSide 2 or future franchises, we’ll be giving players their ideal fantasy game experiences for years to come.”