Epic Games, developers of the successful "Unreal" line of action-adventure computer games, is backing a startup in Raleigh that will create new videogames in partnership with Epic and use its technology.
The new company, Scion Studios, has hired 10 game developers, on its way to staff up to about 20 employees. The group is led by 30-year-old Michael Capps, who led the U.S. Army's efforts to develop its own computer game, "America's Army," to be used as a recruitment tool. Scion's set-up in the Triangle is a positive sign for the local game development community, viewed by some as a remote outpost in the game industry that finds its natural center -- at least in the United States -- in California.
Mark Rein, Raleigh-based Epic Games' vice president, said he's prepared to put several million dollars into Scion. The plan is to own it outright until Scion has developed two games and has one more under way, Rein said. Then Epic will turn over ownership to Scion's employees.
News source: News observer
