Starbreeze devs form virtual reality startup, First Contact Entertainment

A group of veteran developers from PayDay 2 developer Starbreeze have joined forces to form new virtual reality startup, First Contact Entertainment. 

According to GamesIndustry.biz, the Santa Monica-based studio is being headed up by one-time Starbreeze creative producer, Hess Barber, and will focus on creating "narrative-driven VR content with high production values."

Barber is being joined by a handful of other experienced devs from studios including Starbreeze, Blizzard, Treyarch, and Infinity Ward, and hopes to build-out his team from 20 to 30 staffers by the end of the year. 

The First Contact website offers more insight, suggesting titles will be built on Unreal Engine 4, and will hone in on key values such as fun, longevity, replayability, monetization, multiplayer, and immersion. 

Although no project-specific details have been revealed, First Contact has confirmed it'll be creating content for the latest VR headsets, PCs, and consoles. 

The studio will look to develop theme park experiences and live action virtual reality content. It's also exploring the possibilities presented by augmented reality tech.