New Bethesda studio formed as Human Head Studios closes

Bethesda Softworks has established a new development studio in Madison, Wisconsin.

Roundhouse Studios is staffed by developers who worked at Human Head Studios until its recent closure, a move which was also confirmed on Wednesday.

During its 22 years, Human Head Studios was the developer of 2006’s original Prey game and a cancelled sequel, before the property was rebooted by Bethesda’s Arkane Studios.

It also developed Dead Man’s Hand, Rune and Rune 2, Lost Within and The Quiet Man, while contributing to titles including Batman: Arkham Origins, BioShock Infinite and Brink.

“Sadly, we had to wind down the business of Human Head Studios and close its doors, which was particularly devastating due to the passion and creativity of the team we’d assembled,” said Roundhouse Studios creative director Chris Rhinehart.

“We reached out to our friends at Bethesda for help, and they saw that same creativity and passion in our team. With the formation of Roundhouse Studios, Bethesda offered every employee of Human Head a position at the new company.

“We are excited our team will remain together, pursuing the work we love, as part of a company we already know and admire.”

Roundhouse is to begin working on unannounced Bethesda projects immediately.

Bethesda senior VP of development Todd Vaughn said: “While sorry to hear of their challenges as Human Head Studios, we were excited by the opportunity to bring under the Bethesda umbrella this talented, established development team.

“We are delighted that the entire staff will remain together and is now part of the Bethesda family.”