Just over two years after it made Las Cruces its home, Ganymede Games unveiled plans for its first project: a science-fiction, role-playing video game called Xenotheria.
Xenotheria — translated from Greek — means foreign beast, which is a nod to the storyline of the game, the company said.
"It's a big milestone for us," said Ganymede CEO Jerry Prochazka of the first-reveal on Tuesday.
Typically, video game developers do a multiphase announcement for new games with a trailer, release date and eventual launch. Ganymede expects the launch could be later this year at the earliest, or possibly the first quarter of next year, said Rob Thompson, co-founder of Ganymede.
The announcement Tuesday coincides with a 7,500-person survey that Ganymede completed, asking people who play video games for their preferences. The survey had a heavy influence in shaping the creative process of the game, Prochazka said.
Ganymede wanted to market itself toward adult gamers who have busy lives and enjoy a simple, world-building experience. Initially, the game will be released on PC, but eventually, Ganymede plans to get Xenotheria on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and other mobile platforms.
The development, design and engineering will be handled by Ganymede's team, which has been working remotely since it set up shop in Las Cruces two years ago.
Business First reported in February 2019 that New Mexico committed to investing up to $250,000 in Local Economic Development Act incentives, while the city of Las Cruces committed up to $100,000 in LEDA dollars. LEDA is a financial incentive used by the state and local governments as a closing fund to recruit new businesses and grow existing businesses in New Mexico.
As of March 25, that LEDA money — which was designated for the build-out of a development studio — has not been touched. The build-out was halted because of Covid-19 concerns about working in an office building and the ease of his team working remotely, Prochazka said.
He added the Refundable Film Production Tax Credit, which refunds 25% of most expenses in New Mexico associated with producing film, digital productions and video games, has been a "lifesaver" for the company.
"I really think, in many ways, we've fallen in love with Las Cruces," Prochazka said. "Even though we don't get as much community interaction as we'd like because of Covid, our experience through Covid has been very welcoming."
The company planned to create 51 jobs over the next five years while investing $1.3 million in building and infrastructure improvements. The company expected to hire artists, engineers and designers. As of March 25, Ganymede has five team members, but with the Xenotheria announcement, it expects to start adding team members as it gets into the build-out of the game.
