China’s NetEase Games has opened yet another new studio in T-Minus Zero Entertainment.
The venture is based in Austin, Texas and is headed up by industry veteran Rich Vogel (pictured), who has previously worked at BioWare, Bethesda and Sony Online Entertainment on MMOs such as Ultima Online, Star Wars: Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Vogel is serving as studio head and is joined by game director Mark Tucker – a veteran of Bethesda and Certain Affinity – BioWare vet Jeff Dobson who is serving as art director and Bethesda alum Scott Malone, who is VP of operations and production.
T-Minus Zero is working on a brand-new IP third-person online multiplayer action title.
“Our studio’s mission is to create epic, immersive worlds where players from around the globe can play together, forming vibrant and passionate communities,” Vogel said.
“The team at NetEase Games shares our vision to create memorable and meaningful experiences, and they have made it a priority to provide the support and creative freedom to allow us to make our dream a reality.”
NetEase Games’ president of global investments and partnerships Simon Zhu added: “T-Minus Zero Entertainment has been built with an inspiring roster of talented veterans with unparalleled industry knowledge and the passion to create wholly original gaming experiences. NetEase Games strongly believes in empowering creators with the ability to build games that will inspire players and evolve over time with its community. We can’t wait to share more of what Rich and the team are working on, and we’ll make every effort to help them grow.”
