Jade Raymond has founded Haven, a new games developer in Montreal, Canada, working on a new IP for PlayStation.
As stated in the press release, Raymond assembled a “world class team” with over a decade of experience. The studio’s name also has deeper meaning, as “the studio’s games will serve as havens for players – bringing them together to have fun, express themselves, and find community. The vision of being a haven extends to the team as well, which will champion transparency and mutual respect.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment will be the first to invest into the studio for its first project. “We understand the challenges and rewards of building creative teams from the ground up,” said Hermen Hultst, head of PlayStation Studios, “as does Jade with her wealth of experience helming many of gaming’s biggest franchises.”
“We’re confident in and excited for the bright future of Haven Studios and its first project, currently in development.”
“I could not be more excited about this opportunity to return to my roots and work with this talented team to create a new IP together,” Raymond, CEO of Haven. “Launching an independent studio with the backing of Sony Interactive Entertainment gives us full freedom to push boundaries with the support of a publisher that deeply understands the creative process of making games and is known for exceptional quality and a player-first approach.”
Speaking on PlayStation Blog, Raymond explained how over the past 12 months of “The pandemic, social injustice, and job elimination,” along with not being able to see friends and family had prompted self-reflection.
“As I took stock of my career over the last few years and started to think about what to do next,” Raymond states, “I came to a very simple conclusion: I need to get back to what I love doing most, and do so in a way that gives our team the freedom to explore, inspire, and create.”
Raymond explains that the studios has developers Raymond had worked with before, and can explore their passions.
“It’s time for us to refocus on GAMES in a place where we can practice our crafts without any barriers or impediments. We want to create worlds where players can escape, have fun, express themselves, and find community. We want to pour our passion into a project. We want to make something wondrous for people to experience. Because we believe in the power of games to bring joy to people’s lives. And Sony does, too. Their commitment to excellence is unmatched. It’s why I couldn’t be happier for their backing and support.”
Raymond began her career as a producer for The Sims Online and Assassin’s Creed, and later became the executive producer on Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Watch Dogs, and The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot. She also founded Ubisoft Toronto, and Motive Studios.
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