Mark Healey to found independent studio

[Varsity]

Although Rag Doll Kung Fu was an independently-produced game, the indie production was sandwiched between chief developer Mark Healey’s full-time job at Lionhead Studios. Following the presumable success of RDKF’s Steam release, Mark today announced that he has left Lionhead, a ‘very hard decision’, to set up his own development team with co-developers Alex Evans and ‘Dave’.Source and more information (http://www.steamreview.org/?p=31)

Will it be a ragdolls to riches story? Let's hope so!

[NeuroMan42]

I love the Indie Studios, but the problem is that normally eventually the BIG CORPs swallow them and ruin them. :)

[Qoz]

Yeah. Just like the girls. First they swallow - then they ruin you.

I didn't like RDKF (played at a friend), but I almost payed for it just to support these guys (guy?). Its still more fun than the stupid Black&White franchise, so I wish him the best of luck with future games. But please don't make RDKF2-10).

Lionhead listen up!! We need another Syndicate dammit!!

[Beelzebud]

I think that is what Valve is attempting to change.

Best of luck to them all. We need more smaller studios, IMO.

[mightbe]

Lionhead listen up!! We need another Syndicate dammit!!

Shock all of bullfrog back to life.

Dungeon Keeper 3!
Hi-Octane 2!
Magic Carpet 3!

Now there's some sequels I'd be effin' preodering. Take that, EB games!

*flex*

[AniAko]

Wow, I couldn't imagine that decision. But Mark's a creative guy, he'll do well on his own.

[Roc Ingersol]

I guess RDKF was more successful than I thought.

[Wombat]

I am shocked anyone could list bullfrog games without mentioning Populous.

[Roc Ingersol]

Isn't EA sitting on the IP rights to all the old Bullfrog franchises?

I'm surprised as hell that sequel factory hasn't totally whored out their good names.

[01010]

A syndicate sequel would be amazing.

[Chimpbot]

I guess RDKF was more successful than I thought.

Yeah, really. I thought it had piffled out faster than it arrived; both the Lionhead and Steam boards were all but dead, while people were complaining of a significant lack of servers...at any given time, there were literally only 1 or 2 servers up.

On top of that, Lionhead actually shut down the RDKF section of their message board ~1-2 weeks ago; perhaps Mark's departure had something to do with that.

[Oddmaker]

He must of made a bit selling his game, tho i cant believe he left :(

[monkeyidol]

Isn't EA sitting on the IP rights to all the old Bullfrog franchises?

I'm surprised as hell that sequel factory hasn't totally whored out their good names.

Who Actually owns the IP to all the awsome bullfrog titles?? Is it EA or lionhead? or someone else?

[mightbe]

I am shocked anyone could list bullfrog games without mentioning Populous.

You have your populous, I have my Civ.

Cheers, wombat bretheren.