NetEase Games Announces T-Minus Zero Entertainment; Studio Led By Rich Vogel Creating a Third-Person Online Sci-Fi Action Game

NetEase Games announced the establishment of a new game studio in Austin, Texas, called T-Minus Zero Entertainment. The studio is to be led by Rich Vogel, a developer who has worked on several large titles at studios such as Sony  Online Entertainment Austin, Bioware Austin, and Bethesda Game Studios Austin. Vogel has led development on groundbreaking multiplayer and service-based games such as Meridian 59, Ultima Online, Star Wars: Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

“Our studio’s mission is to create epic, immersive worlds where players from around the globe can play together, forming vibrant and passionate communities,” said Rich Vogel, studio head of T-Minus Zero Entertainment. “The team at NetEase Games shares our vision to create memorable and meaningful experiences, and they have made it a priority to provide the support and creative freedom to allow us to make our dream a reality.”

Currently, the team is working on developing an online multiplayer-oriented third-person action game within a science fiction backdrop. The central development hub will be positioned in Austin, Texas, known for its technological advancements. Notably, the studio embraces a remote-first strategy, currently advertising numerous vacancies. They are actively in pursuit of adept game developers who are enthusiastic about taking on the task of crafting an innovative intellectual property.

T-Minus Zero Entertainment includes several industry veterans, including Game Director Mark Tucker, who brings 22 years of design experience on titles such as Fallout 76 (Design Director), Doom, and Crimson Alliance (Design Lead); Art Director Jeff Dobson, 26 years of experience on Star Wars The Old Republic, Dragon Age Inquisition, and Mass Effect Andromeda; and Anthem VP, Operations & Production Scott Malone, ten years of production experience on Fallout 76, Doom, and The Elder Scrolls Online.

“T-Minus Zero Entertainment has been built with an inspiring roster of talented veterans with unparalleled industry knowledge and the passion to create wholly original gaming experiences. NetEase Games strongly believes in empowering creators with the ability to build games that will inspire players and evolve over time with its community. We can’t wait to share more of what Rich and the team are working on, and we’ll make every effort to help them grow,” says Simon Zhu, president of global investments and partnerships at NetEase Games.

We’ll keep you updated.