Midway Studios Los Angeles

Midway Studios Los Angeles Inc. (formerly known as Paradox Development) was an American-based video game developer. They are best known for fighting games such as the X-Men Mutant Academy and Backyard Wrestling franchises, as well as the Mortal Kombat action game spin-off Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. The team was also responsible for the controversially violent PlayStation title Thrill Kill, but the game was later cancelled.[1]

Midway Studios Los Angeles Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryVideo games
Founded1994; 30 years ago (1994)
Defunct2008 (2008)
HeadquartersMoorpark, California, U.S.
Key people
  • Christine Hsu (Founder)
  • Matthew Booty (Midway CEO)
  • Scot Lane (Studio Head)
  • Sal Divita (Creative Director)
ProductsVideo games
ParentMidway Games (2004–2008)
Websitewww.midway.com

History

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CWS Entertainment Ltd./Paradox Development era

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Paradox Development was founded in 1994 by Christine Hsu and went on to produce titles for top video game publishers including Activision, Electronic Arts, Virgin Interactive (later acquired by Electronic Arts), Interplay, and Namco.

In November 23, 2004, Midway Games Inc. acquired CWS Entertainment Ltd., whom was doing business as Paradox Development.[2] Midway announced the acquisition 7 days later, by then Paradox Development was developing Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks.[3][4][5]

Midway Studios – Los Angeles Inc. era

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Following the acquisition by Midway, Paradox Development was renamed to Midway Studios – Los Angeles Inc., sometimes called "Midway Los Angeles" or "Midway L.A."

In 2008, Midway Los Angeles was relocated and merged with Midway's San Diego office. The following year, publisher Midway Games filed for bankruptcy, and in August 2009 the Midway San Diego studio was closed and most of its assets were purchased by publisher THQ, who only offered about 40% of the studio's personnel new positions within the company. Many of the laid-off developers were hired by High Moon Studios.

Developed games

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CWS Entertainment Ltd./Paradox Development era

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Windows

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Sega Saturn

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PlayStation

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PlayStation 2

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Xbox

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Midway Studios - Los Angeles era

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PlayStation 2

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Xbox

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Xbox 360

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PlayStation 3

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References

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  1. ^ "Best of 2018: The story of Thrill Kill, a PS1 fighting game canned by EA for being too controversial". VG247. 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  2. ^ Midway Games Inc. 2004 Annual Report
  3. ^ "Midway Acquires Paradox Development". December 2004.
  4. ^ Plunkett, Jack W. (2006). Plunkett's Infotech Industry Almanac 2006: Guide to the Technologies And Companies Changing the Way the World Thinks, Works And Shares Information. Plunkett Research, Ltd. ISBN 978-1-59392-053-1.
  5. ^ Deals: Midway Acquires Paradox Development
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