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Catnip Games Acquires Shroud of the Avatar

Discussion in 'Announcements' started by DarkStarr, Oct 9, 2019.

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  1. DarkStarr

    DarkStarr Executive Producer SOTA Developer

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    As of October 2019 Austin-based production studio Catnip Games has acquired the operating assets of Portalarium, Inc.; primary of which is Shroud of the Avatar.

    Portalarium was co-founded in 2009 by Hall of Fame videogame designer Richard Garriott (aka “Lord British”). Portalarium’s most recent game Shroud of the Avatar has a large global community of players which Catnip Games will continue to develop and expand.

    Catnip Games was established by Chris Spears, who served as CTO of Portalarium for over 6 years and was appointed President of Portalarium in 2019.

    Commenting about the acquisition, Richard Garriott noted “We’re immensely grateful to the community who has built this game with us. The community’s support and participation remains strong and growing, and Starr and I plan to continue being involved in the community and within the game.”

    Starr Long, the executive producer of Shroud of the Avatar, also commented on the acquisition; noting that “Chris has successfully led the design and the team for many years, he is an all-star A player.”

    Chris Spears added that “The development team remains with the project, and we plan to continue with the established patterns of regular releases, frequent live broadcasts, community events, release parties, and a development cadence focused on both constantly improving the core game, while also working towards Episode 2.”

    Lowenstein Sandler provided legal counsel to Portalarium on this transaction. Deal terms were not disclosed. Any questions about the transaction should be directed to VLPC at tbailey@vlpc.com.
     
  2. FrostII

    FrostII Bug Hunter

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    Wow
     
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  3. Violet Ronso

    Violet Ronso Avatar

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    Basically nothing changed apart from the name behind the game? Or am I just too stupid to understand what is going on? We aren't in the 1st of April right? Whaaat?
     
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  4. Paladin Michael

    Paladin Michael Bug Hunter

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    The revelation took longer than expected ...

    I wish you all the best on this path, @Chris and all remaining team members :)
     
  5. Griffler

    Griffler Avatar

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    Very interesting times, God speed to you @Chris.
     
  6. Elwyn

    Elwyn Avatar

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  7. CICI

    CICI Avatar

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  8. Antrax Artek

    Antrax Artek Avatar

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  9. oplek

    oplek Avatar

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    So are the SeedInvest backers with Portalarium or with Catnip Games?
     
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  10. Glepo

    Glepo Avatar

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    Interesting.
     
  11. Turk Key

    Turk Key Avatar

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    I knew when Mojito took over the Owl's head bridge, this move was not far behind.
     
  12. Brass Knuckles

    Brass Knuckles Avatar

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    This game was all Chris anyways
     
  13. Kabalyero Kidd

    Kabalyero Kidd Avatar

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    true...
     
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  14. Cora Cuz'avich

    Cora Cuz'avich Avatar

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    I'm not sure if that's praise or a complaint. Or both.
     
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  15. Evadrepus

    Evadrepus Avatar

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    With this change, can we expect that Catnip Games will honor the existing, open deliverables paid for by Kickstarters backers, such as the signed book and pre-sold access to episodes 2-5?
     
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  16. Cora Cuz'avich

    Cora Cuz'avich Avatar

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    So, Sannio aside, the main people behind the story are no longer actively part of the project?
     
  17. Malimn

    Malimn Avatar

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    Sad day for this game now that Chris Spears is in charge. Managemen...B... Squirrel!
     
  18. Rat2

    Rat2 Avatar

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    What happens to the Seed Invest investors?
     
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  19. Paladin Michael

    Paladin Michael Bug Hunter

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    Well, at some point in the past it was Richard. Meanwhile, I think it was most of the time Lum ... Let's see, how story goes on ...
     
  20. Cirsee

    Cirsee Avatar

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    Well I think there have been some great changes with Chris in charge. Congrats to @Chris !
     
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