Developer returns to the studio he left to 'realise' MMO's potential

Former 38 Studios’ creative lead now at SOE

Steve Danuser, former creative director at defunct 38 Studios, has now become creative director on Sony Online Entertainment’s Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.

Danuser served as creative lead on 38 Studios’ abandoned Project Copernicus, as well as the story director for 2012’s Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

“I must say it’s great to be back,” said Danuser in a studio interview by SOE. “Seeing so many old friends and colleagues again, it feels like coming home.”

He previously worked at SOE as community manager on EverQuest II in 2003, before leaving to work on Project Copernicus in 2006.

At SOE, the creative lead is looking to revitalise the free-to-play MMO Vanguard, revitalising old content and bringing new content to the game over the coming months.

38 Studios closed its doors in June and laid off all its staff. The state of Rhode Island has a called the collapse of the studio an “economic crisis”.

About MCV Staff

Check Also

Blog header 2026 IG50 [Industry news] Ubisoft backs IG50 Awards as Into Games opens applications for 2026 cohort

[Industry news] Ubisoft backs IG50 Awards as Into Games opens applications for 2026 cohort

UK games charity Into Games has today opened applications for IG50 2026, its annual programme that recognises 50 of the most talented yet-to-be-hired people in UK games from working-class and low-income backgrounds. The announcement comes as Ubisoft joins as the headline sponsor and as Into Games confirms that 11 winners from the previous 2025 cohort have been placed in paid roles in the UK games industry through its Boost placement programme.