Former Call of Duty frontman launches new studio with a ‘Stop Killing Games’-style mission statement: If the game bombs, it goes open source
Robert Bowling, former Call of Duty strategist, has co-founded a new game studio called //18.bravo following the 2025 collapse of his previous venture, Midnight Society. Announced via LinkedIn, the studio brings together what Bowling describes as “a killer team,” though specific projects remain undisclosed.
//18.bravo operates with a distinctive mission inspired by the “Stop Killing Games” movement, addressing industry concerns about digital preservation. The studio’s defining commitment involves open-sourcing any game that fails commercially, ensuring titles are not permanently lost when projects conclude or support ends. This approach directly counters industry trends where games are delisted or become inaccessible following studio closures or publisher decisions.
The preservation-focused business model reflects growing awareness of video game preservation challenges. When publishers shut down servers or remove digital titles from storefronts, games can become unplayable or disappear entirely. By guaranteeing open-source releases for unsuccessful titles, //18.bravo offers an alternative that protects player investment and gaming history.
The launch comes amid ongoing industry consolidation and studio closures that have raised preservation concerns among players and preservationists. Bowling’s new venture represents one of few studios explicitly prioritizing long-term game preservation as a core business principle, positioning itself as a counterpoint to live-service and corporate consolidation trends dominating the market.