A brand new video game studio just opened up in Melbourne called The Three Thousands. Named after the Melbourne postcode (3000), it was founded by some of the country’s veteran game devs with over a decade of experience. While it has yet to announce its first project, it promises to bring “a fresh and innovative approach to the gaming and entertainment space.”
According to a press release, the leaders of The Three Thousands are former EA employees with various experiences and specialties. They include the CEO – Joseph Donoghue, a game dev with 15 years of experience and was the former General Manager for EA Australia. Next is the Chief Product Officer – Nikhil Kurian, a 12-year veteran and the former racing GM at EA Melbourne. And lastly, the Chief Creative Officer – Benjamin Dawe, the former Studio Creative Director at EA Melbourne and was the Head of Creative at Roadshow Films, with 15 years under his belt.
These video game creatives worked on various titles prior to launching their new studio, with titles like Real Racing and Need For Speed as part of their résumé. These three founders plan to continue to develop more racing titles that would resonate with a global audience and attract the interest of car enthusiasts and pop culture fanatics.
The video game industry has been in heavy decline for the past few months. From the big AAA companies to local indie darlings, even the media industry, not one was safe. Recently, it was reported that Rocksteady reduced its staff due to Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’s poor sales performance. Just last year, Melbournian indie company, League of Geeks, announced it was saying goodbye to half its staff, and the development of Jumplight Odyssey has been paused.
But it’s not all doom and gloom as some game companies are still able to thrive, especially in Australia. For example, Massive Monster, the people being Cult of the Lamb will be making an appearance at PAX Aus this year. Meanwhile, Hipster Whale will be present at this year’s Big Games Night Out in Melbourne.
Hopefully, The Three Thousands don’t follow the same route the rest of the industry is heading. The company has confirmed an ambitious roadmap has been laid out. And if things go according to plan, the company’s first major title could be released in 2025.
About the Author
Erielle Sudario
If she's not podcasting, Erielle Sudario is seen either playing Baldurs Gate 3, The Sims, or a really cute cozy indie game that she found either in conventions or on TikTok. Outside of gaming, she's either embracing her inner Swiftie, building keyboards, or watching shows/films in theatres or streaming platforms.
