Brian Mitsoda Announces DoubleBear Productions

Brian Mitsoda (Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines) has opened a new independent RPG studio together with Annie Carlson (Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir), mysteriously called DoubleBear Productions. Its first game is left untitled, but the description from the official forum (under the flag of independent RPG conglomerate Iron Tower Studios) reads "A turn-based RPG that emphasizes survival and escape as civilization begins to decay".

From the site.
I like music. A lot. Quite a few of the artists I listen to aren't on major labels, and some of them aren't even signed. Right now, music is a terrible business to be in, but there are still people out there doing what they love and a big enough fan base for these bands to keep them touring and maybe even making a bit of money while doing so.

If you've ever watched a brand new band in their early days, you've no doubt noticed that their shows aren't exactly packed. They might have a few of their friends out in the crowd, but the rest of the audience is just waiting around for the bigger names or hasn't even arrived yet. If a band is good, they'll get a few people to turn their heads away from their coasters or the redhead in the ironic t-shirt just long enough to notice the band and maybe even do some lizard-like head bobbing to express their approval. Possibly a few people buy their CD, friend them on their social network of choice, or attend another show because they were just that impressed. It's that gradual momentum that keeps the band going. From fans to blogs to buzz to bigger venues and better exposure, that is how a band that will never be known outside of a group of maybe tens of thousands of people will keep touring and putting out albums.

Making independent games isn't quite like forming a band, but there are a few parallels in that, similar to music's alternative/indie scene, new forms of distribution and a growing audience/awareness for smaller titles have made them a viable strategy for developers who are looking to make something a bit outside the mainstream. Just like bands, the factor that makes indie developers successful is you, the fan. It makes our jobs a little bit easier to know you're out there, and we want to read your emails and get your feedback on our forums. As we release more info and material on our game, your excitement and word of mouth is the best way we're going to be able to get more people to hear about what we're doing. Everyone plays a little better when the crowd is wall to wall.

However, we're still setting up the equipment at the moment, so in the meantime, have a drink, take a look around, and get comfortable. We're going to be starting all this very soon, so keep glancing over at us time to time. If you do like what you see, tell a friend or two. And of course, we do have a merchandise table set up and all that, so please check that out.

We are DoubleBear, and we'd quite like to entertain you.

Sincerely,

Brian Mitsoda

Founder of DoubleBear Productions
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The Company

Founded in June 2009 by Brian Mitsoda, DoubleBear Productions is dedicated to making top-quality independent titles, and bringing the gaming-related passion of its members into the products it creates.

The Staff

Brian Mitsoda

Brian is the Lead Designer, Creative Director, and Lead Coffee Maker of the company. He is best known for his writing on Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, and a veteran of past RPG studios such as Black Isle Studios, Troika Games, and Obsidian Entertainment. Brian loves giraffes.

Annie Carlson

Annie is a game designer at DoubleBear, responsible for many things which are important. She is best known for her writing on Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, and other past projects spanning fantasy, sci-fi, and real-world titles. She will also beat you at Super Puzzle Fighter, seriously she will.

The DoubleBear

Though in appearance sweet and cuddly, the DoubleBear is in fact one of the most fearsome monsters ever to exist, ever. It is two bears, and yet just one bear. Can it hope to be comprehended?