Bend video game studio rides wave of notoriety

Early this year, Sony Computer Entertainment America released their latest handheld game console, the Playstation Vita.

Over 1.2 million units were sold worldwide after its launch date in February, and along with it, an award-winning video game produced right here in Central Oregon.

Race into dangerous river basins, uncover hidden secrets and temple ruins in search of a legendary lost city as Nathan Drake in this all-new edition of the “Uncharted” video game franchise.

“Uncharted: Golden Abyss” is the fourth installment in the “Uncharted” series, but the first of its kind for Sony’s latest handheld, the PS Vita.

As one of the launch titles for the hardware, it’s gotten exposure all across the globe.

“It’s certainly the biggest title that we’ve ever worked on,” said John Garvin, co-director and creative director at Bend Studio. “What they wanted was a title that would really stress the system and really show off what the hardware could do.”

Three years in the making, they made a game that utilizes new game play. Reviews online are calling the game “truly amazing.”

Founded in 1994 as “Eidetic,” Bend Studio was purchased by Sony Computer Entertainment America in 2000.

What started as a small group of 12 guys is now a team of over 40 engineers, artists, designers, and support staff.

For a long time, the small studio has been a under the radar, but it isn’t much of a secret any more.

“We’re a well-kept secret in Bend — we’ve sort of purposely did that,” said Chris Reese, co-Director and technical director at Bend Studio. “But I think the word is getting out.”

“Our core staff here is a mix of local Bendites and people that we’ve recruited from afar,” said Reese. “Bend has a lot to offer, especially for families.”

“Skiing, outdoor sports, and I myself, I’m a big fan of the Northwest beer. So what better place to work and live than Bend?” said Reese.

To complete a project of this magnitude, all in a charming mountain town known as an “outdoor mecca,” Bend Studio is bringing entertainment to gamers anywhere to enjoy any place.

And that’s something they say they’re proud of.

“What drives most people in the game industry I think, is creating,” said Garvin. “The fact that we’re going to have millions of people play this game, I think, is pretty exciting.”

Bend Studio says they want to build a local community of gamers to help make their products better.

For more information check out their Twitter page at @bendstudio or their website: www.bendstudio.com