Former Gearbox Software, Bethesda Softworks, and Epic Games veterans establish Ruckus Games to develop suburban invasion multiplayer game

Ruckus Games, a Frisco, Texas-based studio comprised of former Gearbox Software, Bethesda Softworks, and Epic Games veterans, has announced its establishment. It is currently developing an untitled suburban invasion game that combines RPG elements, crafting, town building, and more.

“We want games where people have fun from the get-go,” Ruckus Games CEO and game director Paul Sage said in a press release. “Games that are physical, joyous, and just a damn good time to be shared with others. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store.”

Get the first details below.

In 2021 seven developers saw an industry willing to take risks on huge budgets and recycled mechanics but unwilling to take risks on new gameplay and experiences for players. Committed to creating the kind of multiplayer games they searched for themselves; Ruckus Games was formed. Today, they’re unveiling the first look at their debut game and inviting players to join them behind the scenes in playtesting.

Led by CEO and game director Paul Sage (former creative director of Borderlands 3 and The Elder Scrolls Online), Ruckus Games’ talented roster of developers is collectively known for their key roles in some of the industry’s most beloved game franchises. Hailing from studio giants such as Gearbox Software, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, Monolith Productions, and more, each founding member of Ruckus Games brings with them the essential ingredients necessary to create the perfect multiplayer stew.

Ruckus Games already stands out amongst the competition, having recently secured $19 million in funding to bring their vision to life. Notably, the investors were sold on Ruckus’ premiere project after playing a mere 20 minutes of its vertical slice demo—an especially impressive feat for a prototype made by only 14 people across 12 months!

This new title will offer cooperative play for up to four players in an evolving world that will be updated with new emergent content over time. Set in a reminiscent era amid the backdrop of the American heartland, players are thrust into the shoes of everyday people forced to become heroes when the town comes under attack. It is not clear what is behind the strange events, and things don’t quite seem to add up.

Featuring a large roster of playable characters and thousands of unique make-shift weapon combinations – like a toaster kitted to shoot saw blades or a modded power washer turned flamethrower—players will “Smash, Grab, and Grow” as they blast their way through thrilling suburban invasion scenarios. Take to the streets, destroy whatever you want, find cool new weapons and resources, and rescue NPCs to take back to your Hometown, a living centralized hub. Here you can customize, build, and upgrade over time allowing you to enhance your weapons and abilities to head out even stronger for another round of chaotic fun.

The already captivating and engaging gameplay is further accented by its unique visual style, led by art director Scott Kester, the visionary who played a pivotal role in transforming Borderlands‘ pre-release gritty aesthetic into the iconic, colorful graphic novel style that came to define the series. This new title’s eye-catching art style belies some darker moments as you get pulled into a deep world that balances fun and humor with darkness and peril, built around unlikely heroes using everything at their disposal to overcome an onslaught of overwhelming forces.

Ruckus Games’ currently unannounced debut title is a showcase for their mission to be a disruptor in the industry, utilizing a community-centric development process that focuses on getting direct feedback from players from the very start. Playing alongside the devs, Ruckus Games is committed to its motto, “The Player is Our Hero,” inviting interested players to get early hands-on experience in the game throughout its development process. Those eager to join are encouraged to sign up at Ruckus Games’ website for playtest updates and invites.