Overview
Too ambitious to live. Troika Games assembled Fallout veterans determined to push RPG boundaries. Arcanum blended steampunk with fantasy; Temple of Elemental Evil implemented perfect D&D 3.5 rules; Vampire: Bloodlines captured the World of Darkness. Each game launched broken, found devoted audiences, and failed commercially. The studio closed in 2005, its legacy preserved by modders and cult fans.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1998.
- Founders: Tim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky, Jason Anderson.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Closed: 2005.
Key releases
| Title |
Year |
Publisher |
| Arcanum |
2001 |
Sierra |
| Temple of Elemental Evil |
2003 |
Atari |
| Vampire: Bloodlines |
2004 |
Activision |
Design philosophy
| Principle |
Expression |
| Deep systems |
Complex mechanics |
| Player reactivity |
Choices matter |
| Ambitious scope |
Beyond resources |
| Innovation |
Unique settings |
The Troika pattern
| Phase |
Reality |
| Ambitious design |
Industry-leading |
| Development |
Resource-constrained |
| Launch |
Buggy, incomplete |
| Reception |
Critical praise, poor sales |
| Legacy |
Cult classic status |
Vampire: Bloodlines tragedy
| Factor |
Impact |
| Source Engine |
Technical challenges |
| Half-Life 2 release |
Same-day competition |
| Activision pressure |
Rushed launch |
| Community patches |
Post-closure salvation |
Staff dispersal
| Destination |
Notable alumni |
| Obsidian |
Multiple designers |
| Blizzard |
Tim Cain (later) |
| InXile |
Jason Anderson |
| Industry-wide |
Lasting influence |
See also