The developer behind the EverQuest and PlanetSide franchises is feeling a bit broken up. Well, actually it’s literally broken up. Daybreak Game Company announced a new initiative today — “Franchise First” — that splits the developer up into three new studios. These development houses will focus on the expansion of Daybreak’s legacy franchises, including EverQuest, DC Universe Online, and PlanetSide.
From Daybreak come Dimensional Ink Games, Rogue Planet Games, and Darkpaw Games. Dimensional Ink is being spearheaded by Neverwinter and City of Heroes creator Jack Emmert. The studio, based in Austin, Texas, is in charge of DC Universe Online. As support for the aging MMO continues, Dimensional is also developing “its next high-profile action MMO project starting in 2020.” Darkpaw and Rogue Planet, both in San Diego, California, will continue the development of EverQuest and PlanetSide franchises respectively.
“Crafting iconic MMORPG experiences has always been Daybreak’s lifeblood,” said Emmert in a press release. “We intend to continue that legacy and grow Dimensional Ink, Darkpaw Games and Rogue Planet Games. Whether it’s DC Universe Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, PlanetSide 2 or future franchises, we’ll be giving players their ideal fantasy game experiences for years to come.”
Rogue Planet is now in charge of the development of the PlanetSide franchise.
A new dawn, for most at least
Daybreak, however, will continue on as a publisher for the new “franchise studios.” The MMO publisher also works with Standing Stone Games, makers of Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online.
The press release handed to us didn’t mention Daybreak’s other game, H1Z1, which is conspicuously unaccounted for. H1Z1, the survival game gone battle royale, doesn’t appear to have a developer to call home. Speaking to Polygon, Daybreak said the game will continue to be supported but doesn’t offer a comment on whether or not new content is in the works.
