Scribblenauts lead designer forms new studio, working on ‘familiar franchise’

By Gabe Gurwin April 2, 2016

former scribblenauts designer forms new studio scribblenautsvillains — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just a week ago, we reported on turbulence at Scribblenauts developer 5th Cell, which included massive layoffs and the cancellation of the next game in the series, Scribblenauts: Fighting Words. However, one former employee, Scribblenauts lead designer Matt Cox, has recently announced the formation of an all-new studio. The studio, called Echohead, is working on a “familiar franchise in an unexpected way.”

Just what that familiar franchise might be was not even hinted at in the official announcement, but Echohead is planning one game release per year and will work on on everything from “smaller experimental titles” to large-scale releases.

“I want Echohead to be known for twisting the AAA landscape as well as venturing into completely uncharted territory with more experimental games,” Cox says.

So, just how did Matt Cox establish Echohead just a week after the layoffs at 5th Cell? Well, he didn’t — after the original Scribblenauts was completed in 2009, he left his position at the developer and became the lead pastor at EastLake Church in Lawrence, Kansas. He continued to work on iOS games in his spare time, but his LinkedIn page indicates that he will now be working on current-gen consoles and PC as well.

The timing of the announcement could suggest that he has a plan in mind for continuing the Scribblenauts franchise, but we suggest you don’t hold your breath for an announcement. While Cox couldn’t be immediately reached for further comment, it will be curious to see how many former 5th Cell developer make the move to Echohead.

There’s one other place you may have seen Matt Cox and his work, as well. The Halo 3 Legendary Edition included a bonus DVD focused on the fandom surrounding Cortana, and voice actress Jen Taylor took a trip to Cox’ apartment to listen to the composition “Death of Cortana.” This was years before the concept was tackled in the actual Halo games.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

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