4J Studios, the renowned developer behind the console adaptations of Minecraft, has taken a significant step forward by establishing a new studio in Edinburgh. This move aligns with their ongoing efforts to develop a competitive alternative to Minecraft, titled Reforj. Founded in Dundee, Scotland, in 2005, 4J Studios has made a name for itself by delivering official versions of Minecraft across various platforms, including Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch.
Expansion and Recruitment
As reported by The Scotsman, the new Edinburgh location will primarily focus on software and design roles, further bolstering the team dedicated to Reforj. Currently, 4J Studios employs approximately 50 individuals, and they have initiated a recruitment drive to attract some of the most skilled developers from the region.
Paddy Burns, a key figure at 4J Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the studio’s trajectory, stating, “The development of Reforj has been gathering pace for several months now, and 20 years on from [chairman] Chris [van der Kuyl] and I launching the studio, this is as exhilarating a time as we can remember for the firm.”
Pioneer Program and Community Engagement
In an innovative approach to game development, 4J Studios has launched a ‘Pioneer Program.’ This initiative grants hundreds of expert Minecraft players early access to Reforj while it remains in development. The studio aims to leverage the insights and feedback from these players, including notable YouTuber Joe Garrett, known as Stampy, to refine and enhance the game, ensuring it meets the desires of its audience.
Burns noted, “The pioneer programme is really taking off, and it’s fascinating to see how people are experiencing the game and to hear their feedback and be able to incorporate it as we go.” The studio is optimistic that the new Edinburgh office will allow them to tap into the diverse pool of software and design talent available in the city, further energizing their development process.
