Sony announced on March 21st, 2022 through the PlayStation Blog that they have officially acquired Haven Studios – located in Montreal, QC – which would be joining the PlayStation Studios family as the first Canadian based game development studio. Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios provided some insight into the recent acquisition alongside a few warm and welcoming words to Founder & CEO of Haven Studios – Jade Raymond – who brings “a wealth of experience and an infectious passion for creating games” Hulst commented. “The leadership team is an equally impressive group of industry veterans who collaborated on some of the biggest and most beloved games and franchises.”
The partnership began in early 2021 when Raymond was preparing to formally announce the creation of Haven Studios to the gaming community with talks between the two parties subsequently following suit. Speaking on that aforementioned meeting, Hulst states that they were “inspired by their vision for creating a modern multiplayer experience [which] brings gamers together in positive and meaningful ways.” Obviously, the meeting was incredibly productive and beneficial to everyone who was involved in the process as Haven Studios had pitched a very “ambitious project” according to Hulst, from which PlayStation was quite confident in their creative and technical expertise to complete the project.
Jade Raymond is no stranger to the gaming industry – over twenty years experience – having garnered experience in programming, design, production, studio-head, and executive positions. She previously worked on popular gaming franchises including The Sims, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Watch Dogs, and Assassin’s Creed during which Raymond was the honoured recipient of several prestigious industry awards: Develop Magazine 2018 “Vanguard Award” and the FS Games “Pioneer Award” at Guggenheim Bilbao; also one of the Founders of Ubisoft Toronto where she served as General Manager.
Raymond explains: “We’ve made amazing progress in a short time thanks to our talented, passionate team and their exceptional contributions. We established a culture at Haven grounded in kindness, adaptability, and courage that unlocks creativity. Our first new IP for PlayStation is on track to deliver a AAA multiplayer experience with a vision to build a systemic and evolving world focused on freedom, thrill, and playfulness that will keep players entertained and engaged for years. We’re just at the beginning of what is sure to be a wondrous adventure that will span generations.”