ATLANTA, Georgia –August 13, 2008 – Hi-Rez Studios, an independent developer of online games, opens its doors to local communities with the "Tour & Play" Program, which is being offered in partnership with the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office. The program is aimed at Georgia-based high schools, universities, technical colleges, and clubs, exposing budding video game creators and enthusiasts to the development process to help cultivate Georgia's gaming industry. The studio, located just north of Atlanta in Alpharetta, Georgia, consists of a 50-person development team of artists, animators, software engineers, and designers. They also maintain an on-site motion capture studio and game testing lab. The program includes group tours of the studio, insight into the gaming industry, and a sneak peak at Hi-Rez's fast-paced massive multiplayer online shooter – Global Agenda. Among the special perks of the program is the opportunity for local organizations and individuals to participate in the early, invitation-only testing phase of Global Agenda, allowing gamers close access to the studio staff and a unique opportunity to see the game development process through its full life cycle. "Georgia's great schools, highly developed technical and artistic communities, and favorable economic development environment make this a fantastic place to put a studio such as ours," says Todd Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Hi-Rez Studios. “We are serious about fostering the gaming industry in Georgia and are proud to be home to promising interactive entertainment developers such as Hi-Rez Studios,” says Bill Thompson, Deputy Commissioner of the Film, Music & Digital Entertainment division, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The video game industry is growing exponentially in the state. Georgia has the most competitive incentives in the nation for video game development.” For more information on studio tours please contact info@hirezstudios.com |