Published , by TJ Denzer
Published , by TJ Denzer
Former Firaxis lead Jake Solomon has formed a new studio with several other industry veterans. Early in 2023, Solomon surprised many with his exit from Firaxis Studios. Well-known for directing the modern X-COM games, as well as Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Solomon’s exit was followed by reports that he wanted to form a new studio and pursue a life sim. This week, it seems the foundations of that pursuit are coming together. Midsummer Studios is a collection of talent with years of experience behind its leadership and its first project will be a life sim video game.
Midsummer Studios announced its opening via a new website and social media this week. Jake Solomon will be leading the studio up as its CEO and Creative Director. He is joined by a wealth of talent including fellow Firaxis alumni Will Miller, who will act as Game Director on their new project. Nelsie Birch is a co-founder that will act as COO and CFO to Midsummer, and former Maxis Director Grant Rodiek is joining them at the new studio as well.
Midsummer’s first ambition is to “reinvent the life sim genre,” as previously expressed by Solomon and explained further below:
The studio is kicking off this effort with about $6 million in funding from major investors including Transcend Fund, Tirta Ventures, Betaworks Ventures, 1Up Ventures, F4 Fund, Krafton, and Day Zero Productions. As we wait to see what form Midsummer’s first game will take, stay tuned for further details and updates here at Shacknews.