Ex-SCEA developers establish new San Diego studio

A group of ex-Sony Computer Entertainment America employees have set up a new independent development studio, Machine Union, in San Diego, California.

The studio will focus on creating games for next-generation consoles, and has already started work on an as yet unnamed title.

"The game project we chose to develop presents new gameplay mechanics we hope the player finds extremely captivating," said co-founder and general manager Geoff Houston.

"Our engine takes advantage of next generation hardware capabilities and is designed to be easily retargeted to multiple consoles."

Machine's founders and employees have worked on more than 20 Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation and PS2 titles. Together they have more than 30 years of development experience.

"Machine has set its sights on creating great games in a highly functioning, enjoyable studio environment. Our vision is to bring gameplay and game-control back to the front," Houston said.

The company is set to unveil its first project at the Game-Connection 2005 event taking place in Lyon next month.