Activision Vets Form Hardcore 'First Person Social' Studio

Two Activision veterans have formed a new Bellevue studio focused on bringing hardcore game experiences to the social world. U4iA was formed by former Activision publishing head Dusty Welch and former Activision Publishing executive producer Chris Archer. Combined, the duo claim 34 years of video game experience across over 50 shipped titles. The studio is creating a "first-person social" game, a term the company has trademarked. "Playtime and dollars are starting to migrate from console to casual and/or mobile gaming and a new segment is emerging – the hardcore social gamer," Welch said in a statement. The company recently raised $1.5 million in an initial angel investment round, with a second round said to be in the works. Its initial release is set to debut in 2012.