Big Red Button Entertainment Formed

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Big Red Button Entertainment Formed
Former Naughty Dog Execs create new studio.
by Jeff Haynes

February 15, 2008 - Big Red Button Entertainment has been launched according to its official website. The studio, which was officially incorporated at the beginning of February, was co-founded by two former Naughty Dog employees. Bob Rafai was the former art director at Naughty Dog and had the distinction of being its first employee. He led visual development on Crash Bandicoot and the Jak and Daxter series, as well as co-art directing Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. E. Daniel Arey, Naughty Dog's former senior designer and creative director, has headed up or assisted development on multiple titles, including Gex, Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Rafei will assume the role of Chief Visual Officer at the new studio, while Arey will become its Chief Creative Officer.

"Games are now the primary entertainment medium of the 21st century," a statement on the company's website reads. "Our commitment is to make not just fun, engaging and compelling games, but games that everyone can play, and everyone will want to play. We at BRB share this long term vision, intending to grow the gaming market, both in terms of age & gender demographics, as well as in emotional appeal."

According to their site, part of Big Red Button's philosophy is "To make games you want to watch and films you want to play." With a claim that the studio plans "to become the United Artists of Games," Big Red Button announced on their website that they're currently working on six titles in concept development. To help create these games, Big Red Button is actively recruiting for an executive programmer. A senior programmer, designer, technical artists and animators will be added to the team soon.