Rockstar designer sets up indie 'micro' studio

Former designer on Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption sets up studio focused on creating mobile and web games.

Rockstar's Anthony Gowland has decided to move on from triple-A game development and concentrate on creating titles for his new project, Main About Games, a studio set up to create games for web and mobile devices.

Gowland worked in senior and lead design roles during his six years at Rockstar, including work on Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. 

“With the varied distribution opportunities now available to developers, it felt like the perfect time to move away from AAA development. It’s totally viable for a small team, or even a single dedicated guy, to create and market a successful game independently”, said Gowland.

“My passion is in creating small titles that have solid gameplay hooks and big budget polish”, he added.

In addition to developing games, the studio is also offering freelance game design consultancy services.

“Each year there are a lot of games that are very good, when they could have been great. Playing through them you often get the impression that it’s the little details that are missing or have been overlooked.

“I think there’s a real benefit to having an outsider with a proven track record play through your game with a fresh pair of eyes,” Gowland offered.