Microsoft ACES reforms as Cascade Game Foundry

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Lawndart
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Microsoft ACES reforms as Cascade Game Foundry

Post by Lawndart » Sat Oct 24, 2009 1:51 am

ACES Game Studio, best known for the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, Combat Flight Simulator series and Microsoft Train Simulator series was closed on January 23, 2009 in a process of ongoing job cuts, but some of the Aces veterans are behind the new Cascade Game Foundry. Here's the press release:
Cascade Game Foundry wrote:Cascade Game Foundry Forges Ahead, Opens New Simulation Game Development Studio

Founded By Former Microsoft Aces Studio Veterans

Seattle, Washington, October 12, 2009 – Cascade Game Foundry, a new game development studio in Washington, today announced their entry into the simulation marketplace with an experienced team of industry pros poised to create a portfolio of innovative and engaging products which will appeal to both aficionados and people new to the genre.

The two founders, Creative Director Rick Selby and Managing Director Kathie Flood, are no strangers to simulations – both are former Microsoft Aces Studio leaders and industry veterans. Not only will Cascade Game Foundry address the significant hole in the simulation market left by Microsoft’s recent departure, it will push new boundaries with the latest in cutting-edge graphics, simulation and web technology.

“The beauty of starting a new studio is that we get to reconsider all our preconceived notions,” comments Selby, a former Lead Product Designer at Microsoft. “Our previous efforts focused on building traditional simulation titles. However, now we get to redefine what a simulation game can be. As a designer, that is incredibly liberating.” From a gameplay standpoint, Cascade Game Foundry is looking to broaden the market. “The hardcore simulation fan is the critical foundation, but why stop there?” says Selby. “We want to deliver unique experiences that appeal to diverse audiences around the world.”

Flood, a former Microsoft Senior Program Manager with 15 years of industry experience, is excited about the possibilities. “We want to combine the naturally inquisitive nature of the human spirit with the stunning resources of the planet. The simulation market is known to be a strong, consistent performer, but our vision extends beyond flying and railroading,” she says. “Think of SCUBA diving off Hawaii, traversing the Andes, hiking the Great Wall of China … the possibilities are endless.”

Selby and Flood are joined by a number of other former Aces members and game industry veterans. “We have an incredible team lined up across all disciplines,” adds Flood. “Every person has numerous years of professional experience and a proven track record of delivering multi-million-selling titles. “We see this as a wonderful opportunity to reinvigorate the simulation market with a quantum step forward and our products will convey that sense of passion, fun and excitement that we have always had for the genre.”

“If you love simulations, the news is going to get better and better,” hints Selby.

Cascade Game Foundry, LLC is hard at work on the design and demo for their first project.

http://CascadeGameFoundry.com
Cascade Game Foundry wrote:The Team
Simulating Experience™

The experienced team at Cascade Game Foundry is primarily composed of entertainment simulation experts from the former Aces Studio at Microsoft. This team brings unrivaled expertise and passion for simulations and entertainment software, and they are highly skilled at building breathtakingly-accurate simulations for hardcore audiences, as well as compelling exploration gameplay for a casual audience. Team members have shipped dozens of successful titles in the Simulation, Action, Racing, Strategy, and Sports genres, including:

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator (many versions)
  • Microsoft Train Simulator (including the scuttled version 2)
  • Janes F15
  • Janes F/A-18
  • Project Gotham Racing 3
  • Project Gotham Racing 4
  • Fable 2
  • Halo
  • Halo 2
  • Halo 3
  • Shadowrun
  • NFL Fever 2000 – 2003
  • And many others.
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We’re confident that the pedigree of our team will allow us to build products that will delight and amaze you, and provide you with many hours of enjoyment.

We’ll introduce you to individual team members in the coming months as we progress on our first project. Stay tuned!
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