R
Rösti
Unconfirmed Member
I was doing a regular PDF search on Google and noticed some small news regarding Kuju Entertainment (under parent company Catalis SE). It comes from the Q1 2013 report by Catalis, from May 30/31:
Source:http://www.catalisgroup.com/fileadmin/img/catalis/pdfs/Quarterly_reports/Catalis_Q1_2013_7_.pdf
What studios they are referring to is not mentioned. As far as I know, Kuju Entertainment primarily operates the following studios:
Headstrong Games
As rumored by Emily Rogers and others, Headstrong is apparently working on a Wii U project.
Games developed:
Games developed:
I don't know what's up with Zoë Mode, but Headstrong states this on its website:
Games developed:
And I might as well mention Vatra Games. As reported having issues last year, the firm is now bankrupt (the process started on the 4th of September last year), according to the insolvency register of the Czech Ministry of Justice: https://isir.justice.cz/isir/ueu/evidence_upadcu_detail.do?id=fa60539a-87da-41c1-a31b-5d898e675fe4
I don't remember seeing any news about that, at least not here on NeoGAF. Most of the documents are in Czech and as I don't know the language I don't know the exact reasons for the bankruptcy. Feel free to check it out. Anyway, that studio can be excluded here.
Kuju Entertainment currently owns only one trademark (Rail Simulator), so this is most likely contract work unless they are planning on establishing some new IPs. What do you think?
Both studios of Kuju are actively developing games on one or more of the next gen consoles (PS4, Xbox one, Wii U) in addition to currently working up pitches for new concepts, specifically targeted to the latest consoles.
Market trends – Kuju in a strong position
Regarding the wider market, a number of market trends became apparent during the first quarter,
of which three are relevant for independent developers of video games:
1. Release of new generation consoles:
Adding to the continuing console rumours, new reports have suggested that both the PS4 and
Xbox 720 release date will both be held this autumn with each Nintendo Wii U rival to cost
around $400.
2. Increased emphasis on digital delivery of product:
Developers are increasingly developing a blend of retail and follow-on digital product.
Consequently, it is expected that project scopes will increase, development cycles will extend,
contract values will rise, and there will be a longer period of sales and royalty upside.
3. Recent market uncertainty has seen the closure of publisher-owned studios:
Notable closures include studios owned by THQ and LucasArts, which reduces direct
competition. The number of studios focussed on the console games market has declined over
the past year as publishers reduced their investment in new game titles in anticipation of the
release of the new generation consoles.
4. Kuju continues to focus on its core product (console based games) and its new product focus
is on utilising the technological advancements that the new generation consoles offer to
games developers.
Source:http://www.catalisgroup.com/fileadmin/img/catalis/pdfs/Quarterly_reports/Catalis_Q1_2013_7_.pdf
What studios they are referring to is not mentioned. As far as I know, Kuju Entertainment primarily operates the following studios:
Headstrong Games
As rumored by Emily Rogers and others, Headstrong is apparently working on a Wii U project.
Games developed:
- Battalion Wars 2 | (2007)
- Art Academy | Nintendo DS (2009-2010)
- The House of the Dead: Overkill | Wii (2009)
- The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest | Wii (2010)
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice | Nintendo DS (2010)
- The House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut | PS3 (2011)
- New Art Academy | Nintendo 3DS (2012)
- Rabbids Rumble | Nintendo 3DS (2012)
- Top Gun: Hard Lock | PS3, Xbox 360, Windows (2012)
Games developed:
- Burn, Zombie Burn! | Mac OS X, PS3, Windows (2009-2010)
- South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! | Xbox Live Arcade (2009)
- Top Gun | PSN (2010)
- Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Special Editions | PSN, Windows, Xbox Live Arcade
- All Zombies Must Die! | PS3, Windows, Xbox 360 (2011-2012)
I don't know what's up with Zoë Mode, but Headstrong states this on its website:
Google states that record is from the 6th of October last year, so maybe something has changed.Together with our sister studio, Zoe Mode, Headstrong Games is part of Kuju Entertainment Ltd., founded in 1998 and a wholly owned subsidiary of Catalis S.E.
Games developed:
- EyeToy: Play 3 | PS2 (2005)
- EyeToy: Play Sports | PS2 (2006)
- SingStar Rocks! | PS2 (2006)
- EyeCreate | PS3 (2007)
- EyeToy: Play Astro Zoo | PS2 (2007)
- Dancing with the Stars | PS2, Wii (2007) (Developed by Headstrong though, but still under the Zoë Mode label)
- SingStar Pop Hits | PS2 (2007)
- EyeToy Play: Hero | PS2 (2008)
- Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! | Wii (2008)
- Disney Sing It | PS2, PS3, Wii, Windows, Xbox 360 (2008)
- Disney Sing It! – High School Musical 3: Senior Year | PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 (2008)
- Rock Revolution | Nintendo DS, PS3, Wii Xbox 360 (2008)
- You're in the Movies | Xbox 360 (2008)
- Grease: The Official Video Game | Wii (2010)
- Chime | PS3, Steam, Xbox Live Arcade (2010-2011)
- Crush 3D | Nintendo 3DS (2012)
And I might as well mention Vatra Games. As reported having issues last year, the firm is now bankrupt (the process started on the 4th of September last year), according to the insolvency register of the Czech Ministry of Justice: https://isir.justice.cz/isir/ueu/evidence_upadcu_detail.do?id=fa60539a-87da-41c1-a31b-5d898e675fe4
I don't remember seeing any news about that, at least not here on NeoGAF. Most of the documents are in Czech and as I don't know the language I don't know the exact reasons for the bankruptcy. Feel free to check it out. Anyway, that studio can be excluded here.
Kuju Entertainment currently owns only one trademark (Rail Simulator), so this is most likely contract work unless they are planning on establishing some new IPs. What do you think?