Ex-Modern Warfare Creative Strategist Launches New Studio, Pushing Back Against Live Service Trends
Robert Bowling, the former creative strategist behind Infinity Ward’s acclaimed Modern Warfare trilogy, has announced the launch of a new game studio called //18.bravo. The studio represents Bowling’s push back against what he views as destructive trends in the modern gaming industry, particularly the prevalence of live-service models.
In his announcement, Bowling outlined a fundamentally different approach to game development. While the studio’s first project will include an online component, it will explicitly avoid the live-service model that has come to dominate the industry. This distinction is crucial, as many online games today are built around continuous monetization and seasonal content updates.
Beyond the rejection of live service, Bowling has instituted several forward-thinking policies at //18.bravo. The studio will prioritize giving back to employees, reflecting a commitment to ethical business practices. Most notably, Bowling has established bylaws ensuring that if the studio ever closes, all game assets, source code, and everything needed to extend the game will become open source by default. This approach addresses the ongoing industry problem of games becoming unplayable or inaccessible when studios shut down or cease support.
Bowling brings significant industry experience to the venture, having previously worked at Infinity Ward and Electronic Arts, along with his more recent role at Midnight Society. The announcement signals a growing pushback within the gaming industry against exploitative monetization practices and highlights alternative approaches to sustainable game development. Bowling’s commitment to game preservation through open-sourcing assets also addresses a critical concern among gaming communities about digital preservation and access.