Ex-Riot Developers Are Making "Breath of the Wild with Friends"

The newly formed game studio, The Believer Company, has secured $55 million in funding to develop an ambitious open-world title described as a cooperative, multiplayer experience similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Skyrim. Founded by former Riot Games executives, including Michael Chow and Steven Snow, the studio aims to bridge the gap between narrative-driven single-player games and session-based multiplayer titles. The project seeks to offer an optimistic, high-fantasy world that supports two to 12 players in a private-server-style environment.

The studio’s leadership team comprises industry veterans from companies such as Riot Games, Bungie, EA, and Twitter. A significant portion of the $55 million capital, provided by investors including Riot and Andreessen Horowitz, is earmarked for talent acquisition, technology development, and the integration of generative AI to streamline production. The team anticipates a three-to-five-year development cycle and intends to build a broader multimedia franchise around the game, including plans for an animated television series.

This venture reflects a broader industry trend where experienced developers from major studios depart to form independent companies, often leveraging their reputations to attract significant venture capital. While the studio’s leadership emphasizes their experience in high-level game design and world-building, industry analysts note that the project remains in the early stages of development. The studio’s success will depend on its ability to manage the high costs and complex operational requirements associated with maintaining a long-term, live-service open-world game.