Volition Games Shut Down, Everything You Need to Know about Volition Games

Volition Games Shut Down

Volition Games, the game developer with a rich history spanning over three decades, has unfortunately ceased its operations. The closure of Volition Games was announced recently, marking the end of an era in the gaming industry. The decision to shut down Volition Games came as part of a larger restructuring effort by its parent company, Embracer Group. This move was unexpected, especially considering that just two months before the closure, Volition had celebrated its 30th anniversary with optimism about the future.

Volition Games, originally founded in 1993 as Parallax Software, gained recognition with the release of its iconic game, Descent, in 1994. Unlike many other games of its time, Descent offered a unique and challenging sci-fi first-person shooter experience, featuring true 3D map navigation. It garnered a dedicated fanbase and was followed by a successful sequel, Descent II, in 1996.

Over the years, Volition Games continued to produce notable titles, including the critically acclaimed space combat games Descent FreeSpace: The Great War and its sequel, Freespace 2. Their innovative approach to space combat gameplay set them apart in the genre.

The Red Faction series, which began in 2001, also contributed significantly to Volition's legacy. Initially conceived as Descent IV, Red Faction combined first-person shooter elements with destructible environments, providing players with thrilling experiences both underground and on the surface of Mars.

Under the umbrella of THQ, Volition Games expanded its portfolio, working on titles such as the open-world and over-the-top Saints Row franchise, which carved its own niche in the gaming world. After THQ's closure in 2013, Deep Silver acquired Volition, allowing them to continue developing Saints Row titles and other projects.

Unfortunately, Volition's journey came to an end in 2022 with the release of a reboot of the Saints Row franchise that failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in underwhelming critical and commercial performance. It is speculated that this poor reception may have played a role in Embracer Group's decision to shut down the studio.

The closure of Volition Games is a somber moment for both the gaming community and the industry as a whole. The studio leaves behind a legacy of innovative and entertaining games that have provided countless players with memorable experiences. While the doors of Volition Games may be closed, the impact of their work will continue to be felt in the hearts of gamers worldwide. We extend our best wishes to the talented individuals who were part of this storied studio as they embark on new journeys in the gaming world.

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Volition Games Wiki

Deep Silver Volition, LLC, formerly known as Parallax Software Corporation and Volition, Inc., was an American video game developer headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. The company's origins trace back to its founding by Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog as Parallax Software in June 1993.

They initially gained recognition for their work on Descent and Descent II. However, during the development of Descent II, Toschlog relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to establish a satellite studio called Outrage Entertainment, leading to a split in the company. Following this split, Kulas continued with Parallax, which was eventually renamed Volition in November 1996.

Teaming up with publisher Interplay Entertainment, Volition developed games like Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War and its sequel, FreeSpace 2. However, the collaboration with Interplay ended during the development of Summoner. Volition later partnered with THQ, which acquired the studio in August 2000. Under THQ's banner, Volition created successful franchises such as Red Faction and Saints Row, producing multiple titles in each series.

However, THQ faced financial troubles and declared bankruptcy in December 2012. In the ensuing proceedings, Volition and the Saints Row intellectual property were sold to Koch Media, now known as Plaion, and became part of their Deep Silver label. Meanwhile, other THQ assets, including Summoner and Red Faction, were acquired by Nordic Games (later known as Embracer Group).

In a significant development, Volition's connection with its previously sold IPs was rekindled when Koch Media was acquired by Embracer Group's parent company in February 2018. During this period, Volition released two games, Agents of Mayhem in 2017 and a reboot of the Saints Row franchise in 2022, although both met with mixed receptions.

Further changes occurred when Volition was transferred from Deep Silver to Gearbox Entertainment in November 2022. Unfortunately, on August 31, 2023, as part of a broader restructuring within Embracer Group, Volition was closed down, resulting in the transfer of Volition's intellectual property to Plaion.

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Volition Games List

History of Volition

Parallax Software, founded in June 1993 by Mike Kulas and Matt Toschlog, marked the beginning of Volition's history. This game development company was born out of the founders' desire to create their own games rather than work for others. To reduce living costs, Toschlog relocated from Boston to Champaign, Illinois, where Kulas lived, and the two established Parallax Software. They initially hired programmers John Slagel and Che-Yuan Wang, with Wang also contributing to level design.

Their first project, Inferno, was pitched to Apogee Software, which provided funding but later withdrew from the project. Parallax produced a demo reel and secured publishing deals with Interplay, Accolade, and Trimark Interactive. Inferno, renamed Descent, was released in March 1995, becoming a hit.

As Parallax developed another Descent game, Interplay asked them to create a "CD-enhanced" version of Descent, leading to Descent II's success. In 1996, half of Parallax's employees followed Toschlog to Michigan, where he established Outrage Entertainment, while Kulas remained in Champaign with Parallax. The company split into two entities, with Volition being founded in October 1996.

Under Volition's banner, they worked on FreeSpace: The Great War and its sequel, FreeSpace 2, creating an acclaimed space combat simulator. They also developed Summoner, a departure from their previous titles, which was published by THQ. The studio ventured into the open-world genre with Saints Row, beginning a successful franchise. Volition also worked on Red Faction, which focused on environmental destruction. They released several sequels and spin-offs for both franchises over the years.

In 2013, Deep Silver acquired Volition. They continued to develop Saints Row titles and explored new projects like Agents of Mayhem. In 2019, Volition started work on a reboot of the Saints Row series. In 2022, the studio transitioned from Deep Silver to Gearbox under Embracer Group's restructuring, and in 2023, Volition was closed, with its IPs transferred to Plaion.

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