FreeStyle and Codemasters devs form mobile studio

Former FreeStyle and Codemasters development veterans have formed a new mobile studio in the UK.

Called Mad Fellows, the Leamington Spa-based developer is led by ex-FreeStyleGames senior engine programmer Dan Horbury and FreeStyle music team lead Paul Norris. The duo have worked on titles such as Guitar Hero, DJ Hero and the ToCA and Colin McRae racing series.

Norris said developing games for smartphones and tablets meant the studio could apply the principals they had learnt from working at large studios and apply them in a sustainable and profitable way.

Mad Fellows is currently working on its debut title for mobile.

“The founding of Mad Fellows marks the point in time where we were able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and create the kind of studio we had always wanted to work for,” said creative director Norris.

“The explosion in popularity of mobile gaming and the increasing power of smartphones and tablets has changed the landscape of professional game development. It has meant we can apply the principals we know make for a highly effective, passionate and happy team to a studio that is sustainable and profitable.”