The newly formed game development studio Formation Games has announced the addition of former Bungie GM Jonty Barnes to its team of game industry veterans. Along with Barnes, the company also shook hands with Neil Dejyothin and Alex Horne as Executive Producer and Chair, respectively.
A game industry veteran with 33 years of experience, Barnes has worked with Bungie on the Destiny franchise, along with additional duties, for 15 years. He is now acting as Co-Founder and CEO of Formation Games. Alex Horne had prior experience as CEO of Football Association, and Neil Dejyothin held the Production Executive title for Sports Interactive.
Formation Games will look to develop a new game called CLUB, a mobile football ownership experience that aims to give players a chance to become club owners and build their dream teams. As club owners, gamers will make managerial decisions such as kit, stadium and sponsor selection, signing players based on actual data, and observing the team’s success.
Jonty Barnes made comments about joining the ranks and the development of CLUB:
“I’m thrilled to join Formation Games as their CEO. CLUB is a labor of love from a talented group of AAA game developers and football fans looking to shatter gaming norms. This is a project that will truly disrupt the space and showcase the new approach that Formation Games is bringing to the table. We’re excited for 2023 and beyond as we show more of what CLUB is all about.”
Formation Games’ Chair, Alex Horne, added:
“I know firsthand from my time at the FA the highs and lows that accompany football ownership. The sweat and tears that can be gloriously rewarded, or undone, by moments on the pitch. The combination of authentic football club ownership and gaming that Formation Games is building in its impending release of CLUB will appeal to a huge audience. I am delighted to be an investor in the business and formally join the team as Chair. I’m excited to work with Jonty, Neil, and the team to open up football partnership opportunities for CLUB.”
The company is supported by more than 20 investors, including Zee Prime Capital, ATKA, Merit Circle, CitizenX, Moonlanding Ventures, Petrock Capital, and Parc Capital. Formation Games stated that the expected launch for CLUB will be in 2023, although an exact date has yet to be shared.
