A group of seasoned gaming veterans have formed Hyboreal Games as a new development studio on Nov. 28, 2005. Hyboreal Games was founded by Eric Sexton, Michio Okamura and Steven Woo, all industry veterans and former developers for Blizzard North, where their contributions were essential to the success of the highly acclaimed DIABLO franchise, which has sold well over 13 million copies worldwide. The Hyboreal Games mission is to make best-selling game franchises by applying the proven formula of mass accessibility, addictive game play and longevity through re-playability.
"We're all excited to see such talented people starting up a new development company," said Bill Roper, ceo of Flagship Studios. "It's an excellent time for new companies with new ideas to make their mark in our industry. Based on their experience in developing the DIABLO series, we're looking forward to great things from Hyboreal Games."
Michio Okamura is a veteran developer and the artist responsible for designing DIABLO. With over a decade of experience contributing art and game design as developer, and leadership as creative lead for Blizzard Ent., he has extensive knowledge on the development of AAA titles and highly lucrative franchises.
Eric Sexton is a senior game designer with the vision to create innovative design and the ability to execute them into fun and meaningful gameplay. Over the past decade he has contributed to all aspects of game design and was responsible for key design elements ranging from quests, monsters and the numerous items to the DIABLO series of games.
Steven Woo, a lead programmer with nearly a decade in the industry, was responsible for coordinating the worldwide localization that was crucial in the hugely successful international release of DIABLO II. DIABLO II was the first game to implement support for Far East language input. Woo put this into DIABLO II, WORLD OF WARCRAFT and other games for Blizzard Ent.
Hyboreal Games, a California corporation (www.hyboreal.com), is creating an original game franchise from conception to completion. The company has been founded by some of the most experienced and talented members in the PC gaming industry. Their work has been essential in all stages of the development of record-breaking games, giving them first-hand experience in making AAA titles.
