Hi-Rez Studios company

HI-REZ STUDIOS was founded in 2005 to create exceptional online interactive entertainment. As the name implies, our goal is to create online games at that highest level of quality, both visually and in terms of gameplay. We are an independent studio, able to work with any publisher, on any platform, and to establish game design, art, and production schedules in support of our vision.

GLOBAL AGENDA, the Studio’s debut title, is a third-person, class-based shooter MMO set in Earth’s near future – a ‘spy fi’ world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. Global Agenda was built on the Unreal® 3 game engine and released in February of 2010. It received high honors from industry critics at the Game Developers Conference and the E3 Expo, taking home awards for “Most Anticipated Game”, “Best Gameplay”, and “Game of the Show.” The game enables players to create unique special agent characters, play co-op missions with friends online, compete in fast-paced, multiplayer matches and conquer persistent territory inside the game world. On April 14th, 2011, with the release of Global Agenda: Free Agent the #1 Shooter MMO further broadened its audience by becoming Free To Play.

TRIBES: ASCEND is the Studio’s upcoming new game within the popular TRIBES series of sci-fi, multiplayer first-person shooters that have been played by over 1 million people. Tribes: Ascend is in development as a digital download for the PC and Xbox 360 Arcade with other platforms also under consideration.

SMITE is the Studio’s upcoming new free-to-play, online battleground between gods. Players choose from a selection of mythical gods, join session-based arena combat, and use custom powers and team tactics against other player-controlled gods and non-player controlled minions. With SMITE we draw inspiration from Defense of The Ancients style RTS titles, but leverage the Unreal 3 Engine to introduce original action combat mechanics, great graphics, and a mythology-themed setting.

Our studio employs over 45 people at a spacious development facility just outside of Atlanta, Georgia in the northern suburb of Alpharetta. We are conveniently located near top universities and art schools. The studio includes high-end gaming work stations with the latest hardware and software, a state-of-the-art motion capture studio, and a comfortable indoor/outdoor recreation area with dining amenities.

Our talented development team consists of industry proven concept, character, environment, and technical artists, animators, designers, and programmers. A carefully crafted development pipeline assures smooth results in every aspect of our project, whether working autonomously or as part of a focused team. Using efficient work methods, such as Scrum sprint milestones and daily play tests the Hi-Rez team is motivated and determined to produce products that gamers will be excited to play.

Hi-Rez Studios is a proud member of the Georgia Game Developers Association, a non-profit trade association committed to the growth and development of the electronic and video game industry in Georgia and the success of its members. The GGDA aspires to develop an east coast playground to complement the highly saturated west coast markets of the industry.