Guy Beahm, known online as Dr. Disrespect, is launching a new AAA studio called Midnight Society. Working alongside former Call of Duty and Halo developers, the new studio is taking a “community approach to game development” that plans to involve players and influencers at all stages of development.
In a press release, Beahm announced that he co-founded the studio with industry veterans Robert “fourzerotwo” Bowling and Quinn DelHoyo, along with support from esports entrepreneur Sumit Gupta. The studio is still starting up, as they are currently hiring for many positions.
“As a long-time player, streamer, and former game developer myself, I’ve often dreamed of creating awesome titles that entire communities can get behind from day one,” Beahm said. “My vision is to make games that defy the one-and-done publishing model and reward all those fans and influencers who make them a success.”
Midnight Society will lean heavily on early access, with a particular emphasis on high-profile influencers: The studio announcement says one of its priorities is “including communities and influencers much earlier in the development process” than usual. And while Beahm’s participation might seem like the game development version of stunt casting, don’t forget that before he found fame as the mustache that roars, he was a community manager and designer at Sledgehammer Games, with credits on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Advanced Warfare.