A group of seasoned gaming industry professionals has launched Cooldown Games, a new publisher dedicated to delivering premium gaming experiences for PC and consoles. The company’s mission is to create games that cater to the modern gamer’s lifestyle, offering engaging experiences that fit seamlessly into busy schedules.
An All-Star Team of Industry Veterans
Cooldown Games was founded by seven publishing executives with extensive experience at prominent companies like Gearbox Publishing, Id Software, and Warner Bros. The leadership team includes:
- Matt Charles, Chief Product Officer
- Erick Cobbs, Chief Business Officer
- Jackson Hardesty, Chief Operations Officer
- Brad Schliesser, Chief Revenue Officer
- Jimmy Sieben, Chief Technology Officer
- Jeff Skal, Chief Marketing Officer
Leading the team is Steve Gibson, CEO and former president of Gearbox Publishing. Collectively, the team boasts decades of experience and a portfolio that includes eight games with over one million copies sold each.
A Vision for Modern Gaming
Cooldown Games aims to address the evolving needs of today’s gamers. According to the announcement, the publisher will focus on titles that are easy to pick up and play, allowing players to enjoy them at their own pace without requiring significant time commitments.
“Our team is confident rational business models will be a long-term strength of Cooldown Games and that just might be a refreshing contrast from many recent industry trends,” said Gibson. “Let’s make some great games together.”
A New Era for Game Publishing
The formation of Cooldown Games comes during a period of significant change within the gaming industry. Gearbox Publishing, where several Cooldown Games co-founders previously worked, experienced layoffs last year as part of Embracer Group’s restructuring efforts. Embracer later sold Gearbox Entertainment to Take-Two Interactive. Additionally, Gearbox Publishing’s San Francisco office was rebranded as Arc Games in April, following its acquisition and prior rebranding by Embracer.
Key Points
- Cooldown Games Formation: Founded by seven veterans from Gearbox Publishing, Id Software, Warner Bros, and more.
- Leadership: Led by Steve Gibson, former president of Gearbox Publishing.
- Mission: Focused on creating premium games tailored to modern gamers’ busy lifestyles.
- Industry Context: Emerges amid restructuring and changes in the gaming publishing landscape.
- Future Goals: Dedicated to offering rational business models and fostering rewarding experiences for players and developers alike.