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You might know Raven Software from theCall of Duty(COD) franchise. The studio once thrived as a creator of distinct and highly regarded games such asSingularity,Marvel: Ultimate Alliance,and theHeretic-Hexen Trilogy. The studio has since become a support studio primarily focused on the yearlyCall of Dutytitles.
Many games and developers have come and gone throughout the history of gaming but fans remember Raven. Many on social media and Reddit have expressed sorrow over the studio’s shift from their original titles to the annual blockbuster series.
How Raven Software Went From Making Cult Classics to COD
Raven Softwarewas founded in 1990 and quickly made a name for itself from its creativity. The studio was known for its unique games that explored new concepts and pushed the boundaries of whatever genre they tackled at the time. Titles likeHexen,Heretic, andJedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcastbecame favorites for gamers.
It’s sad how many studios this applies to…pic.twitter.com/U1nCccX3GX
Asthe studio transitioned to supportingCOD, many of these beloved franchises were left behind, and fans have been mourning their loss ever since. A recent thread on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted this sentiment, with gamers reminiscing about the studio’s past achievements.
Singularity was soo cool. I can see where titanfall 2 gets its sauce from.
One user pointed out howSingularity, despite being overshadowed by bigger titles, was a precursor to other successful games likeTitanfall 2.
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The acquisition of the studio by Activision in the late 1990s marked the beginning of a new era for the studio. The turning point came with theCall of Dutyfranchise.
Things Like This Are All Too Normal In the Gaming Industry
This move ensured job security for the studio’s employees, but it also meant that Raven’s days of developing original IPs were effectively over. This transition was met with mixed feelings. On one hand, fans were glad that the studio was still operational. But on the other, they mourned the loss of the creative spark that once defined the studio.
The video game industry is notoriously volatile,with many studios struggling to survive. For every member of the team, becoming a part of the yearlyCall of Dutyproduction line meant stability in a highly competitive industry. The studio’s creative output may have diminished, but the alternative could have been far worse.
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Yet, as much as we understand the economic realities behind the shift, the longing for the days when the studio was a beacon of originality remains. Events like this are truly a reminder of the cost of corporate consolidation in the gaming industry.
Even as Raven Software plays a key role in the continued success of theCall of Dutyfranchise, fans can’t help but wonder what might have been if the studio had continued to develop its own IPs.
Do you remember these old games as fondly as other gamers? Would you have wanted to see more of the studio? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
