CD Projekt, Metropolis Veterans Launch 11 Bit Studios

Several veterans from Polish developers CD Projekt and Metropolis Software have struck off their own to form 11 Bit Studios, a new developer focusing on digitally-distributed games. Based in Warsaw, the independent studio is headed by managing director Grzegorz Miechowski, who was previously chief executive for Metropolis Software before that studio merged with PC game publisher CD Projekt (The Witcher). Miechowski is joined by technology director Bartosz Brzostek, art director Przemysław Marszał, and design director Michał Drozdowski. The staff has previously worked on titles like Project Earth: Starmageddon, Infernal, Odium, Knight Rider, and many others. The team doesn't plan to reveal its first title until next week, but it seeks to release games for a wide range of platforms, including PC, iPhone/iPad, and consoles through digital distribution. It also hopes to put out releases "for all kinds of gamers", hardcore and casual. "The games industry is constantly changing, and there is a tremendous opportunity for independent developers to succeed and to push the boundaries of gameplay on digital platforms," says Miechowski. The managing director adds, "We’re going to create games that introduce unique gameplay mechanics, carry high production values and are, most importantly, fun for both hardcore gamers and more casual players."