Ex-Eden Games Staffers Form New Independent Studio

Staff members from Test Drive Unlimited developer Eden Games have formed a new independent studio with the aim to release its first game in 2012. Ten ex-Eden Games staffers, each with 13 years of experience with "major developers and publishers," are looking "to create original and quality content for the digital distribution market" at new Lyon, France-based developer Blossom Minds, according to a statement. "Blossom Minds is built on strong gameplay values, graphical skills and in-house state of the art technology, making smaller games but with big production polish," said the studio. "Their expertise and knowledge in the industry will help deliver innovative game experiences for demanding gamers... We are done with AAA titles; let us bring the OOOOOOH! instead," it continued. The studio is set to announce its first game soon, with a release planned for sometime during 2012. Back in May, workers at Eden Games announced that they were initiating a "symbolic day strike" in response to layoffs and alleged "mismanagement" by parent Atari.