Former XCOM and The Sims developers establish Midsummer Studios to develop “next-gen” life simulation game

A team of veteran developers behind games such as Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and The Sims have announced the establishment of Midsummer Studios, as well as teased its in-development “next-generation entry” to the life simulation genre.

Midsummer Studios was founded in Hunt Valley, Maryland by creative director Jake Solomon and game director Will Miller, both formerly of Firaxis, and chief operating officer / chief financial officer Nelsie Birch, who has 25 years of financial and operations management experience.

The studio launched with $6 million raised from major investors. Transcend Fund led the round, and is joined by Tirta Ventures, Betaworks Ventures, 1Up Ventures, F4 Fund, KRAFTON, and Day Zero Productions.

The studio’s upcoming life simulation game promises to emphasize player-driven narratives, allowing communities to share memorable moments that grow out of the creativity of players.

“The best stories in games are written by the players,” said Midsummer Studios CEO and creative director Jake Solomon in a press release. “At Midsummer we’re making a life sim focused on the drama of modern life, where our players will write meaningful stories just by playing, and then share those stories with the world.”

Transcend founding partner Shanti Bergel added, “Leading the Seed for Midsummer was a natural fit for Transcend. As a producer on The Sims myself nearly twenty years ago, I am well acquainted with the power that meaningful player-driven stories can unlock. I also have an abiding respect for how hard it is to deliver the alchemy of community, systems design, gameplay, and user generated content necessary to do so. The Midsummer founders are industry veterans with the rare experience and design artistry required to deliver against this massive opportunity. I am delighted to join the board and support their journey to redefine the life sim category.”

The studio’s roster has already added acclaimed talent and executive producer Grant Rodiek, who previously worked at Maxis for 18 years as a producer and director on various installments and expansions of The Sims.

Visit the studio’s official website here.