Development Info Michigan tax credits the reason for Stardock's 2nd studio

[DarkUnderlord]

Tags: Stardock

<a href="http://www.edge-online.com/features/stardocks-expanding-universe">Edge Online interviewed</a> the Stardock guys about their new RPG:
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<blockquote>Tax credits amounting to $900K have enabled the company to open a second studio that is in the very early stages of a cross-platform RPG inspired by Baldur's Gate-style games. The new studio, about 8,000-9,000 square feet in size, is a floor located within the building where Stardock currently operates. There will be around 50 new employees added to the company through the expansion, bringing the total headcount to over 100.
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Stardock CEO Brad Wardell explains how he was mulling over expanding the studio a year ago. "My friend Chris Taylor [owner of Wash. State-based Demigod developer Gas Powered Games] is always saying how great Seattle is, and I go out there and that place is awesome, there are lots of people."
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The state of Michigan caught wind that Stardock was considering expanding in another state.
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"They came to us and said look, what are your problems with Michigan?"</blockquote>
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Spotted @ <a href="http://www.gamebanshee.com">GameBanshee</a>

 

[Shannow]

Tax credits amounting to $900K have enabled the company to open a second studio that is in the very early stages of a cross-platform RPG inspired by Baldur's Gate-style games.

a second studio that is in the very early stages of a cross-platform RPG inspired by Baldur's Gate-style games.

a cross-platform RPG

 

[NiM82]

I just hope Brad doesn't take RPG design tips from CT...

 

[MetalCraze]

a cross-platform RPG

You can always dream that he've meant Mac OS and Linux

 

[doctor_kaz]

Michigan has another advantage in that the cost of living is a lot lower than some of the other places where these studios are located. You can pay people less.

How is a cross-platform game inspired by BG? A cross-platform game won't be anything like BG.

 

[sheek]

$900,000 for a shitty company like that? Makes me wonder what kind of nerds run Michigan government.

 

[bailuu]

$900,000 for a shitty company like that? Makes me wonder what kind of nerds run Michigan government.

Many many states are trying to entice game companies to come to their state. Since the gaming scene exploded in Austin TX, politicians realize it's an easy way to create middle-class jobs. "Tech" is now a buzzword in state political circles: getting "tech" jobs, making a "tech" economy, etc.

Why Stardock went to Michigan over other states is what I don't get. Come to Louisiana! Same tax break, warmer weather (if you don't mind a little rain)!

 

[St. Toxic]

What do you know about snakes?

 

[Spectacle]

Michigan has another advantage in that the cost of living is a lot lower than some of the other places where these studios are located. You can pay people less.

But the quality of living is not as good, so you have to pay more to compensate for that.

Anyway, the story title is wrong. Stardock was going to open up a new studio anyway, the tax credits only affected where it would be located.

Also keep in mind that Stardocks main business is desktop widgets and shit, they're a bigger company than you might think just from their game activities.

 

[doctor_kaz]

Michigan has another advantage in that the cost of living is a lot lower than some of the other places where these studios are located. You can pay people less.

But the quality of living is not as good, so you have to pay more to compensate for that.

For someone without kids or with kids under 5, you are probably right. But for people with kids, the public education system (outside of Detroit) is very good. On a middle class salary your kids can get a very good education, as opposed to, say, the Southeast, where public schools are awful. Traffic isn't too bad just about anywhere you go, thanks to the population drain. Real estate is very affordable now. I'd like to see what city they are opening up the studio in.

Weather really is awful though. There's no getting around that. But there are so many game studios in Texas or California, you have to think that there are some niche employees who would like to live in the Midwest.

 

[poocolator]

State-based Demigod developer Gas Powered Games

wut

 

[OSK]

For someone without kids or with kids under 5, you are probably right. But for people with kids, the public education system (outside of Detroit) is very good. On a middle class salary your kids can get a very good education, as opposed to, say, the Southeast, where public schools are awful.

Michigan is ranked 39th in education. Why not just hop on a ferry and come over to Wisconsin? We're #8! :D

http://www.statestats.com/edrank.htm

 

[Lingwe]

They are developing a game called Demigod, not that they are demigods at developing games.

 

[bailuu]

For someone without kids or with kids under 5, you are probably right. But for people with kids, the public education system (outside of Detroit) is very good. On a middle class salary your kids can get a very good education, as opposed to, say, the Southeast, where public schools are awful.

Michigan is ranked 39th in education. Why not just hop on a ferry and come over to Wisconsin? We're #8! :D

http://www.statestats.com/edrank.htm

And all the cheese curds you can eat. gratis.