Relic Entertainment Plans a Bright Future with Indie-Inspired Games and Classic Revivals
By Image by method of Relic Entertainment
Developer of Company of Heroes, Relic Entertainment, is implementing a new industry strategy following gaining autonomy from Sega.
The Canadian studio will now focus on three primary aspects: enhancing its commitment to existing franchises, developing and launching “smaller-scale” games, and revitalizing classic properties.
Relic noted that it will still provide support for major titles such as Company of Heroes 3 while also continuing to create more intricate and refined titles that have proven to be its mainstay.
The studio anticipates that these more ambitious projects will grant it the flexibility to venture into new genres and experiences through in-house projects that are smaller in size.
Relic also aims to “explore possibilities” of reintroducing some of its classic titles to modern audiences through remasters, re-releases, or entirely new endevors that “capture the essence of the originals.”
Notably, Relic CEO Justin Dowdeswell stated that the company will continue to invest in its workforce and emphasized that this recent phase marks a “significant achievement for the studio.”
“By embracing independence and concentrating on our core competencies, we are confident in our capacity to deliver innovative, high-caliber games that will resonate with players globally. The future of Relic Entertainment is promising, and we are eager to embark on this new venture,” he commented.
Relic CEO insists new strategy won’t put more jobs at risk
In a conversation with Game Developer regarding the new strategy, Dowdeswell assured that this transition will not lead to job losses and affirmed that the company is in a “much stronger position” after making staff reductions following its separation from Sega in 2024.
“Our redefined approach enables us to meet our business requirements while being well-positioned to seize market opportunities,” he added.
When asked how Relic would select which classic titles to resurrect, Dowdeswell replied that the decision would likely involve a “multifaceted process” incorporating discussions with external partners. The studio would also consider internal resources and other trending projects.
Regarding the more experimental projects Relic plans to create, Dowdeswell indicated that the aspiration is to launch them in less than two years.
“We’re aiming to operate with smaller teams on shorter timelines, which suggests we can realistically get a game to market within a 1-2 year frame,” he continued. “Budget expenses will vary based on scope, but these titles will certainly have a significantly smaller budget compared to the major Relic RTS games we will keep developing.”
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News Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. His byline has graced prominent print and digital media including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, Global Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has reported on major industry events like GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel at The Develop Awards multiple times and has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.