RocketWerkz
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | December 2014 |
| Founder | Dean Hall |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 2 (Dunedin and Auckland) |
Key people | Dean Hall (CEO) |
| Products | Out of Ammo, Stationeers, Icarus |
| Owner | Dean Hall |
| Website | rocketwerkz.com |
RocketWerkz is a New Zealand-based independent video game development studio founded in December 2014 by game designer Dean Hall, best known for his work on DayZ. Headquartered in Dunedin with an additional studio in Auckland, RocketWerkz specializes in survival and simulation games.
History
[edit]After departing from Bohemia Interactive in early 2014, Dean Hall returned to his native New Zealand with the aim of fostering the local game development scene.[1] In December 2014, he established RocketWerkz in Dunedin. The name "RocketWerkz" is derived from Hall's nickname "Rocket," which he earned during his time in the New Zealand Army.
The studio initially focused on experimental projects and exploring new technologies, including virtual reality (VR). In September 2015, RocketWerkz announced a partnership with Chinese technology conglomerate Tencent, which acquired a minority stake in the company. This investment allowed RocketWerkz to expand its development capabilities and workforce.[2]
In 2019, the company expanded by opening a second studio in Auckland aimed to facilitate the development of larger-scale projects, such as the ambitious survival game Icarus. The Auckland studio attracted industry veterans and international talent, contributing to the growth of New Zealand's game development industry.[3]
Games developed
[edit]Out of Ammo (2016)
[edit]Out of Ammo is a virtual reality strategy game that combines first-person shooter and real-time strategy elements. Released for the HTC Vive in September 2016, the game allows players to build defenses and command units to repel waves of enemies. It was one of the early VR titles that showcased innovative gameplay mechanics.[4]
Out of Ammo: Death Drive (2017)
[edit]A sequel to the original game, Out of Ammo: Death Drive is a VR action title set in a post-apocalyptic world. Released in August 2017, it expanded on the mechanics of its predecessor by introducing new environments, enemies, and weapons, offering a more intense and chaotic experience.[5]
Stationeers
[edit]Released on Steam Early Access in December 2017, Stationeers is a space station simulation game inspired by Space Station 13. The game emphasizes complex systems and engineering, allowing players to construct and manage space stations with detailed physics, atmospheric mechanics, and intricate resource management.[6]
Icarus
[edit]Icarus is a session-based player-versus-environment survival game released on December 3, 2021. Set on a terraformed but hostile alien planet, players undertake timed missions called "prospects" to gather resources, craft equipment, and survive against environmental hazards and wildlife. A key mechanic involves returning to an orbital station before the mission timer expires; failure to do so results in the loss of the character and progress. Icarus received mixed reviews, praised for its visuals and survival mechanics but criticized for technical issues at launch.
Art of the Rail
[edit]Art of the Rail is an upcoming transport simulation game developed by RocketWerkz, inspired by classic transport tycoon titles. Players can construct and manage extensive transport networks using roads, rails, tunnels, and bridges, aiming to build a profitable transport empire that influences the in-game economy. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, supporting up to 16 players in cooperative or competitive settings. It features a detailed financial simulation, allowing players to analyze expenses and profits, and includes comprehensive modding support with built-in asset editing tools. As of November 2024, "Art of the Rail" is available for wishlisting on Steam, with its release date yet to be announced.
Kitten Space Agency
[edit]In October 2024, Hall announced that RocketWerkz had started work on a new game titled Kitten Space Agency, designed as a spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program "To replicate the same feeling, commitment, and challenge of existing KSP",[7] following the reported closure of Intercept Games and development freeze of Kerbal Space Program 2. While specific gameplay details are still under wraps, the game is expected to offer a seamless universe without loading screens and extensive modding capabilities, allowing players to customize various aspects of the game, including the solar system. A playable version is anticipated in 2025.
Operations
[edit]RocketWerkz operates two main studios:
- Dunedin Studio: Focuses on smaller, experimental projects and serves as the original hub of the company.
- Auckland Studio: Concentrates on larger, more ambitious titles like Icarus and houses a significant portion of the company's workforce.
The company has played a substantial role in developing the gaming industry in New Zealand, offering opportunities for local talent and attracting international professionals. RocketWerkz's growth aligns with Dean Hall's vision to establish New Zealand as a notable location for game development.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Gera, Emily (2014-02-24). "Dean Hall to step down as head of DayZ, leaving Bohemia Interactive". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ Mack, Ben (2016-12-05). "Blasting off: RocketWerkz scales up with Tencent investment and big game project". Idealog. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ "Rocketwerkz looks for 60 staff and waterfront office for Auckland games studio". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (2016-04-15). "DayZ creator unveils new shooter strategy game Out of Ammo". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ "Out of Ammo: Death Drive Review - Keep On Driving". UploadVR. 2017-08-18. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ Hall, Charlie (2017-07-31). "Stationeers, the next game by DayZ's Dean Hall, enters early access in September". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ thedeanhall (2024-10-31). "My game studio is Ro…". r/KerbalSpaceProgram. Retrieved 2024-11-01.