Travis McGeathy Joins 38 Studios
We have a new mechanics lead! Travis McGeathy, former lead designer of EverQuest, has replaced Jason Roberts as our systems design lead. Roberts, former lead designer of EverQuest II, is now our overall design director, and Steve Danuser will remain our lead content designer. The press release has more information after the break.
Maynard, MA, April 22, 2008 — Continuing to attract top industry talent, 38 Studios, a pioneering entertainment company dedicated to delivering a broad spectrum of entertainment products, today announced the expansion of its industry-renowned design team with the appointment of Travis McGeathy as systems design lead. Travis hails from Sony Online Entertainment and joins his former SOE co-workers at 38 Studios, Jason Roberts and Steve Danuser, who have been laying the groundwork in IP and game development in year one at the studio.
“38 Studios already boasts some heavy-hitting, pop-culture names with R. A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane,” said Brett Close, CEO and President of 38 Studios. “In addition to these visionaries, 38 Studios is extremely proud of the well-known and highly respected designers, artists, and engineers we’ve attracted. Having Travis, Jason, and Steve as the nucleus of our design team adds further credibility within the industry, strengthening our commitment to deploying a first-rate MMOG, and ensuring fans that we have the skill and experience to deliver an Online Entertainment Experience like no other.”
As systems design lead, McGeathy, known as Rashere in the online gaming community, will oversee the team responsible for creating the innovative gameplay mechanics that will bring to life the MMOG codenamed “Copernicus.” At SOE, he held the position of lead designer on EverQuest and was responsible for the overall creative direction of the product and management of its design team.
Danuser, also known as “Moorgard” in the online world, joined 38 Studios in 2006 as the director of community development and lead content designer. He is establishing the foundation of 38 Studios’ community while directing creative development of the company’s upcoming MMOG. At SOE, he was the original community manager for EverQuest II, founding and maintaining one of the strongest and most vibrant communities in the MMOG space. He later moved into the role of designer and contributed to expansion packs and live updates, including the popular Echoes of Faydwer.
Design director Jason Roberts oversees the creative and technical operations of the 38 Studios design department, ensuring that both gameplay systems and creative content meld into a cohesive and entertaining experience. Prior to joining 38 Studios in 2007, he was lead designer of EverQuest II, providing guidance to the development process of three expansions and three adventure packs, including Desert of Flames, Kingdom of Sky and Echoes of Faydwer.
[...] Nerfbat makes it Official! [...]
So when does EverQuest 3 come out? LOL. C’mon, you know everyone is thinking it. I’m just stupid enough to say it.
In all seriousness…congratulations to 38 Studios for putting together a great dev team. While I joke about EQ3, I’m sure what you guys have in store for us will be unique, fresh and break some boundaries. Can’t wait to see it.
I’m envious! Me next!
I like the idea that 38 studios has a lot of the talent from the Everquest and Everquest 2 teams. Honestly I’ve like both games but I have problems with how SOE runs things in their games from a management perspective. The card game was a little much in my opinion.