DICE founder launches new studio and free-to-play game

Antic Entertainment, a casual gaming company started up by DICE Sweden founder Fredrik Liljegren, has announced both the opening of a new development studio and the release of Junk: Battles, its first free-to-play game.

Founded by Liljegren, along with former Digital Extremes employees Mark Mikulec and Jeff Evans, Antic opened its doors in 2008. Located in London, Ontario, the company is dedicated to the development of free-to-play titles on platforms such as web browser and iPhone.

"I am thrilled to officially announce not only our new development studio but also our first title Junk: Battles. At Antic Entertainment we have a very talented team composed of seasoned veterans who have worked on several high profile titles for globally recognised game franchises such as Battlefield, Dark Sector and BioShock," commented Liljegren.

"Antic Entertainment’s focus is to bring that AAA quality to our free-to-play titles giving us tremendous opportunity for growth. This sector of the industry is just now coming into the limelight as the consumer is adapting and seeking more flexible and efficient ways to play games. We're confident that our creative approach and well established development processes will address this market in new and exciting ways."

Liljegren was one of the four people who founded DICE in the early nineties. The company was subsequently wholly acquired by EA in 2006 and DICE Canada, which Liljegren was running at the time, closed down.