Ex-FreeStyleGames devs found new studio SlingShot Cartel

Two of the founders of Guitar Hero Live developer FreeStyleGames have set-up a new studio.

Called SlingShot Cartel, the outfit has been launched by Jamie Jackson and Dave Osbourn. Also joining the duo former FreeStyleGames senior execs Gareth Morrison and Jonathan Napier.

The firm is working on two games at the moment, one of which is an eSports title set to be unveiled at GDC 2017.

Building the new studio around a different business model allows us to maintain the creative vision of several titles simultaneously, with the freedom to explore new genres and platforms including eSports,” Jackson said.

Osbourn added: Being independent again and working on new IP is extremely exciting and energising.It’s a great time to be working in the industry and working on original and innovative games."

FreeStyleGames was ‘restructured’ by Activision in April 2016 following a less than stellar performance for Guitar Hero Live. This wasn’t the only UK studio to face closure during this time, with Microsoft closing Lionhead and Sony shutting Evolution.

Earlier this month, Ubisoft announced it had acquired FreeStyleGames and had renamed it Ubisoft Leamington.