Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog alumni form Near Studios

Former Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Canine builders have joined forces and unveiled new US-based firm Close to Studios.

The studio is led by CEO and inventive director Heather Cerlan, previously lead 3D artist at Amy Hennig and Juliam Beak’s Skydance New Media studio. She beforehand held senior artwork roles on the likes of Wizards of the Coast’s Archetype Leisure, Bethesda Recreation Studios, Naughty Canine, and EA.

Becoming a member of her as co-founder and sport director is Jason Richardson, beforehand lead designer at Funcom, having additionally labored as methods and gameplay designer on the likes of Bethesda and BioWare.

Amongst others, the pair has employed Skyrim’s lead designer Bruce Nesmith to “lend his in depth sandbox methods experience” to the studio’s debut mission, Hawthorn, that has apparently been described by early gamers as “an intimate Skyrim sandbox meets a Stardew Valley village simulation.”

Richardson commented: “In Hawthorn, every little thing – from crafting to adventuring – is centred round a residing village of NPCs and your co-op mates. We wish to evoke the nostalgic pleasure and surprise of shared adventures, very like the timeless tales and easy pleasures that join us throughout generations.”