Jade Raymond Forms New Studio Haven, Partners with Sony for First Game

Following her departure from Google after the closure of its Stadia-focused studios, Jade Raymond had founded a new studio called Haven, which will be working with Sony on its first project. At least, I think the studio is called Haven, because that’s what it’s referred to on the PlayStation Blog, where it is also referred to as Haven Studios, and her byline on the post calls it Haven Entertainment Studios….we’re gonna call it Haven around these parts.

Raymond announced the studio through a post on the PlayStation Blog, where she confirmed the studio is already working on a new IP for PlayStation. So it sounds like Sony might own the IP of whatever it is Haven is developing. An important distinction to make is that Haven is an independent studio, but is receiving support and backing from Sony for its debut game. Not unlike Kojima Productions did with Death Stranding. If so, it’s probable this game will remain a PlayStation 5 exclusive. But given Sony’s recent moves to put its games on PC, there could be a future for whatever this game is elsewhere.

And so today I’m announcing Haven, an independent studio where many of the talented game developers I have worked with for years (and love dearly!) are coming together to do what we are most passionate about. It’s time for us to refocus on GAMES in a place where we can practice our crafts without any barriers or impediments. We want to create worlds where players can escape, have fun, express themselves, and find community. We want to pour our passion into a project. We want to make something wondrous for people to experience. Because we believe in the power of games to bring joy to people’s lives. And Sony does, too. Their commitment to excellence is unmatched. It’s why I couldn’t be happier for their backing and support.

In other news:

• Super Bomberman R Online Now Coming to Non-Stadia Platforms
• Rockstar Pays Fan Hefty Sum for Reducing Grand Theft Auto Online Load Times
• Xbox Series X/S UI Hints at VR Headset Microsoft Hasn’t Announced

Prior to being the head of Google’s Stadia Games and Entertainment division, Raymond worked at Electronic Arts as part of EA Motive, which she left in 2018 to join Google. Before that, she was a producer at Ubisoft working on games like the first Assassin’s Creed games, as well as the original Watch Dogs.