End of an Era: Volition Closes Its Doors After 30 Years of Gaming Innovation
In an emotional farewell message, Volition, one of the industry’s iconic game development studios, has officially announced its closure after an illustrious 30-year journey that has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming.
For three decades, Volition stood among the select few studios that could boast such an impressive longevity. While the studio’s name might not be immediately recognizable to some, its games are nothing short of legendary. The common refrain, “Volition made Descent?!” or “Volition made FreeSpace?!” or “Volition made that Summoner RPG with that hilarious video?!” echoes through the gaming community. In many cases, it’s easier to remember the unforgettable games they created rather than the studio itself.
Volition’s story is one of passion, innovation, and a tight-knit community. The studio’s inception was marked by a visionary team with a determination to create unique games that set them apart from the crowd. Their dedication to this vision resonated throughout the company, creating a culture that attracted top-tier talent in the gaming industry.
Over the years, Volition assembled a diverse and immensely talented group of artists, storytellers, and creators. Their unique culture fostered a sense of family among its employees. People came and went, often returning, but the camaraderie among Volitionites remained a constant. It’s not just a cliché to say that the people made the studio special; it’s a testament to the exceptional environment they nurtured.
Beyond the studio’s internal family, Volition’s extended family was its community of players. For three decades, gamers have enjoyed Volition’s offerings. Some titles were universally praised, while others garnered mixed reviews, but the loyalty of the community never wavered. Volition acknowledges that their hard work and sacrifices were all for the players, and they express immense gratitude for the passionate support they’ve received.
Volition’s journey encompassed a diverse range of games, from the wacky open-world antics of Saints Row to the gritty mining adventures of Red Faction and the deep space odysseys of Descent and FreeSpace. Throughout this remarkable journey, the community’s enthusiasm remained a driving force, inspiring the studio to keep creating and innovating.
With heavy hearts, Volition bids farewell. The studio’s closure marks the end of an era in gaming, but its legacy lives on in the memories of countless players and the unique experiences they provided. The heartfelt message from Volition serves as a reminder of the profound impact that game developers have on the gaming community and the bonds that form between creators and players. Thank you, Volition, for 30 years of unforgettable gaming moments. Their official release has been provided below.
What do you think of Volition’s decision to close? Have you been a fan of any of their games? Let me know in the comments below!
WHO WAS VOLITION?
Volition was founded back in 1993 as Parallax Software, developers of the Descent series of video games. In 1996, it adopted the name Volition before creating the Summoner, Red Faction, and Saints Row franchises.
