Trilogy Studios, leading high-end developer of virtual worlds and casual MMO (massively multiplayer online) game properties announced today it has partnered with Shanghai-based, UltiZen Games to expand the company's online game development capabilities. In addition, Trilogy has expanded its operations domestically, making more than a dozen new hires and leasing more office space at its Sherman Oaks headquarters.
"At a time when news of corporate downsizing is running rampant, we are very proud to report our company's growth and continued expansion," said Michael Pole, chief executive officer of Trilogy Studios. "Our new relationship with UltiZen coupled with the extension of our domestic operations, will allow Trilogy to further our goal of elevating the virtual world and casual MMO game platforms. We're offering consumers more entertainment value and businesses the opportunity to expand their brands in innovative and engaging new ways."
Recently named one of Red Herring's Top 100 Global Companies, UltiZen Games will be leveraging its online game technology to help Trilogy publish and operate its growing casual MMO game business. UltiZen will reserve office space for Trilogy within its Shanghai studio, as well as dedicate a development team to work on its projects. In exchange, Trilogy will assist UltiZen Games with its goal to transition from an outsourcing company to a full-fledged game publisher and operator.
"We look forward to engaging in this mutually beneficial relationship, as both companies strive for continued growth and success," said Lan Haiwen, chief executive officer of UltiZen Games. "Trilogy Studios employs some of the most accomplished game developers in the industry, with decades of experience. We are very excited for them to share some of their wisdom with us."
"Trilogy Studios' continued growth can be attributed to the quality of our partnerships and team members," said Rick Giolito, president of Trilogy Studios. "We are committed to taking the development of virtual worlds to exciting new levels, offering the user with better graphics, deeper environments, more interactivity and richer overall entertainment experiences. In order to achieve that goal, we have hired some of the industry's most talented engineers and artists to bring their game and entertainment experience to virtual world development."
Most recently, engineers Jean Phillipe Steinmetz, Ryan Dumochelle, Ryan Clinefelter, Shay Kalev, Justin Walker and Brandon Perry, production manager Eve Chang, and new animators David Johnston and Bill Ho have joined the Trilogy Studios team headquartered in Sherman Oaks. In addition, Katie Galvan has been hired as Trilogy's human resources director and office manager.