A few weeks ago Crytek closed down several of their studios, one of which was Crytek Black Sea. In the destruction arises a new studio called Black Sea Games. Does that name sound familiar? If so, then you’ve probably played Knights of Honor (2004) and Worldshift (2008).
Both titles were developed by Black Sea Studios which became Crytek Black Sea after being purchased in 2008. It’s latest title, Arena of Fate, was released for PC in 2015.
Despite all that It seems that studio closures were predicted by some of the Black Sea developers, specifically Vesselin Handjiev who left the studio in late September according to Twitter. Handjiev is also the Managing Director for the new Black Sea Games studio.
Yes, a month and a half ago I left Crytek and Arena of Fate. I miss the guys and the fans, but sometimes, you MUST follow your heart!
— Vesselin Handjiev (@Frujin) November 3, 2016
According to the Black Sea Games website, it was “founded in November 2016” and with that we now have a time line.
- September: Handjiev leaves Crytek Black Sea
- November: Black Sea Games is founded
- Mid-December: Crytek Black Sea is closed along with a few other studios
- Late December: Black Sea Games is originally announced
Black Sea Games also announced that they are already working on a project, however they “need some more time before we are fully prepared to announce it loud.”