Founder's Shock: Monolith Productions' Shut Down Stuns Industry Veteran
The gaming world recently learned of Warner Bros.' decision to shut down Monolith Productions. This studio was the creative force behind classic titles like Blood, No One Lives Forever, F.E.A.R., and Condemned: Criminal Origins. The news of its shutdown was a shock, especially for the individual who built it from the ground up.
Garrett Price's Candid Reaction
Garrett Price, co-founder of Monolith Productions, spoke with The Guardian about the studio shut down. Price admitted that despite the industry being of high risk, the possibility of Monolith ceasing to exist was never considered. "Honestly," he said, "the thought that we could close down the studio never entered my mind." His words convey genuine shock and incredulity at the studio's fate.
Passion Over Playbooks: The Monolith Ethos
Price offered insight into Monolith's unique culture. It differed from formulaic or market-driven studios. There were no rulebooks or chasing trends. Passion drove the company. "We just did what seemed interesting, bright, cool to her," Price stated, referencing the studio's diverse game catalog as evidence.
He reaffirmed the studio's lack of ego and dedication to the work. "The studio didn't mind having any of its faces, since it didn't bother us. We just did what we thought was the thing to do. We weren't worried about wasting time brainstorming the hottest-selling genre or topic, one that would appeal to more people. We just did what was cool." This highlights a desire for artistic freedom and internal drive over external pressures.
Early Days of Cooperation
Reflecting on Monolith's early 90s, Price recalled a cooperative and open culture. In the loose, early game industry, roles were less defined and input was plentiful. "There were no definite positions in Monolith Productions," Price recalled, "the authors did what was necessary, swapped ideas on game development and technology." This fostered mutual ownership and creative sharing. Despite individual differences, a principle remained: "they knew that they could do anything if they wanted to."
Wonder Woman Project: An Unfinished Chapter
Before its closure, Monolith Productions was developing a Wonder Woman title. Reports, including from Jason Schreier, indicated development challenges and rising costs to $100 million. While not directly linking the Wonder Woman project to the closure, its mention nearby prompts speculation about potential contributing factors.
End of an Era
Monolith Productions' shutdown marks the end of an era for a studio that broke the mold, driven by passion and camaraderie. Garrett Price's surprise underscores the dramatic impact of this news. Many are left considering the legacy of a different kind of game developer.
