Love at first sight

An unexpected visit, an unexpected surprise

Thierry experiments with multiple avenues in life

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time comes out

Meanwhile, Steam (Valve) changes the game

Thierry meets Dunlay

Thierry and Dunlay go to Game Dev School

Pac meets Dunlay and Thierry at the gamedev school

Thierry starts working on Darkest Night as a school project

Before even finishing their 1-year program, the trio get their first job as Gameplay Programmers at a local game studio

Making friends, gaining experience

Meanwhile, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) is launched

Philippe (Dzidzi, not to be confused with Phil) and Thierry meet

Philip (Phil, not to be confused with Dzidzi) and Thierry meet

Gaining more experience, making more friends

Dzidzi and Thierry turn game nights into gamedev nights

Sclout goes to a pirate metal festival and meets Eric

Learning the ropes of business, getting some pixel art in

NightShroud?

Eric has a gig in Québec city, Thierry hopes he can meet him

Phil and Thierry have lunch with Martin

Thierry and Martin first talk publicly about The Messenger during the Startup Numix pitch session

Thierry and Martin officially create the company Sabotage Studio Inc.

Thierry starts Sabotage with Martin

Martin starts Sabotage with Thierry

Sabotage wins the Startup Numix 2016 Award

Sylvain (Sclout) joins the team

Eric joins the team!

Sabotage moves into a first office!

Sabotage gets a 100k loan from the bank

CEIM Seattle Mission

Through a contract with Oddworld Inhabitants, the studio can self-sustain

Sclout and Thierry go to San Francisco for the first time

Dzidzi takes a day off to visit Sabotage

The Messenger gets its CMF funding! 💰

GDC 2017

Pier-Luc joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Frédérik joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Dzidzi joins the team on The Messenger!

Jany lends her graphic design talent to create the logo

Jeakim joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Michaël joins the team on The Messenger!

Jean-Luc joins the team on The Messenger!

The famous Sabotage baseball tee is born 💪

Ricardo joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Dunlay joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Carl joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

The Messenger is showcased for the first time at MIGS

The Messenger wins the Gameplay Design and Music Awards at The Montreal Independent Games Festival

Our very own Discord server

The Messenger is officially announced with a trailer, and a front page feature on Polygon

The Messenger is first shown to the international public during PAX South 2018

Sabotage hosts the Flambeau

The contract is signed with Devolver

Savannah joins to work on The Messenger!

popagenda joins the party

The Messenger wins the Grand prize of the Ubisoft Indie Series 2018 🍾

Official announcement that The Messenger will be published by Devolver

The Messenger will launch on Nintendo Switch announcement

The Messenger wins the Best of The Mix Award at GDC 2018

With five months left until release, the game is starting to get some coverage!

The Messenger is picked up by IndieMegaBooth for Pax East 2018

The studio moves into a new space in Le Réacteur on St-Vallier Est Street

Magalie joins Sabotage as a freelance producer!

Happy Birthday Fro!

Thierry and Martin go to Japan for Bit Summit!

During the event in Kyoto, Ninja Gaiden designer Hideo Yoshizawa and composer Keiji Yamagishi play The Messenger!!!

Gen (popagenda) and Martin tackle E3 2018

The US press tour for The Messenger is launched!

Subsequently, the European press tour begins!

Behind-the-Schemes documentary on The Messenger is released

The Messenger team flies to Seattle for the lauch event at PAX West 2018 ✈️

Jirard the Completionist on the big Devolver screen

The Messenger launches worldwide on Steam and Switch

The Messenger launch party 🎉

Phil beats The Messenger and calls Thierry crying after finishing The Messenger and reading the thank you note in the final story

Sabobo Summit 2018

Picnic Panic and Sea of Stars are pitched to the team

Music from The Messenger is played during the Odyssée Musicale Video Game Music Symphony in Montreal

The community triggers the ARG (Alternate Reality Game)

While Picnic Panic is in production, Jeakim and Pier-Luc start pre-production for Sea of Stars.

The Messengers wins the 2018 Game Award for Best Debut Indie Title

A closer look

Pax South 2019 🐴

Phil finally pulls his head out of his ass and joins Sabotage

Phil joins the team!

Everything in moderation

Iam8bit opens the pre-orders for a limited edition Vinyl 2x LP of The Messenger’s soundtrack

The Messenger releases on PS4

Special Reserve Games opens pre orders for a limited run of physical copies

Picnic Panic gets a fancy tropical booth at Pax East

Sabotage holds its 3 year anniversary party at Le Scanner in Québec City, featuring a live performance by Rainbowdragoneyes

Patrick starts working on Sabotage’s websites!

Bit Summit 2019 in Kyoto

The Messenger DLC Picnic Panic is launched!

The remaining members from The Messenger team transition to Sea of Stars

Sabotage gets its own burger at Chez Victor 🍔

Anne-Marie joins Sabotage to handle finances and HR!

Chong Mon Chi joins the team!

Sabocamp 2019 🏕

Thierry joins The Completionist for IndieLand 2019

Lana works on concept art as a freelancer

The Messenger turns 1! 🎂

The Messenger Physical edition special launch event at La Planque

The SaboCup Speedrunning Tournament is launched

The Messenger is showcased at EGX in London

Jean-Bernard (Jibz) joins the team!

Thierry gives a talk in Banff for Reboot Red 2019

Édouard joins the team!

Montreal International Games Summit 2019

TwoCPlus is the official winner of the 2019 SaboCup! 🏆

Sabobo Summit Xmas edition 2019

Sabotage moves into a new office on Saint-Joseph street in downtown Québec City

Shooting the Kickstarter video 🎥

Bryce Kho joins the team to handle concept art!

Thommy joins the team!

Stephanie Tinsley was in the the shadows all along!

Sea of Stars teaser!

The remote PR campaign is on to support the upcoming Sea of Stars announcement and Kickstarter launch

The Kickstarter for Sea of Stars is launched, in spite of everything

The Kickstarter objective is reached within 7 hours

Announcement that Mitsuda will be contributing music to Sea of Stars

All stretch goals are smashed, and more

The Kickstarter for Sea of Stars is over

The Messenger is available on Xbox

The playable demo for Sea of Stars is released to super backers

The team finally gets together after months of remote work

Jirard plays Sea of Stars at IndieLand 2020!

Axel joins the team!

Sea of Stars is on the cover of Wireframe Magazine (UK)

Bruno joins the team!

A new Martin joins the team!

The Fall Guys Messenger skin is launched

Pac joins the team!

Thierry and Phil distribute the Sabotage Remote Care Packages in person to the team

Stevens joins the team!

Mathieu joins the team!

Sabotage signs with Kowloon Nights to secure funding for Sea of Stars

Frédéric Émel joins the team!

IGN speedrun of The Messenger

Sea of Stars wins the crowdfunding campaign of the year

New area reveal: The Moorlands

Sabotage turns 5!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 1988.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-0/index.html)

1/2

1988.03

Love at first sight

Thierry is four, and his brother receives an NES for his birthday. In true 90s kids fashion, they are both instantly hooked. Being two years older than Thierry,... read more

Thierry is four, and his brother receives an NES for his birthday. In true 90s kids fashion, they are both instantly hooked. Being two years older than Thierry, his brother soon learns to tell him there are hidden secrets in the pitfalls so that he would die and have to pass the controller.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 1992.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-1/index.html)

1/2

1992.03

An unexpected visit, an unexpected surprise

Thierry's grandfather shows up unannounced with a paper bag full of NES games, out of which he gets to keep six. Little does he know, many of what would become ... read more

Thierry's grandfather shows up unannounced with a paper bag full of NES games, out of which he gets to keep six. Little does he know, many of what would become cult classics are in there: Metroid, Little Nemo the Dream Master, Super C, Megaman 2, Zelda, and even some deep cuts like Super Team Games!

At the end of a most magical afternoon playtesting what feels like an infinite pile of wonders, the sixth and final pick was either going to be Ninja Gaiden 2 or Castlevania 3. Seven years old Thierry chooses Ninja Gaiden 2, a game that hits him so hard he starts getting up earlier so he can play it even before school. The beautiful and dark richness of Ninja Gaiden's world, its music, challenge, story and rewards plant a seed that gives birth to an obession he has yet to get over to this day. From this initial spark, over the years he comes into contact with his need to escape from the anxieties induced by too much shaming, and the power games have to provide coping for those in need, as well as entertainment for those in want.

Midway through elementary school, armed with a complete inability to draw and a dream to one day entertain the universe, a fantasy world starts to build in Thierry's mind.

2001.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-2/index.html)

2001.01

Thierry experiments with multiple avenues in life

A teen in the early 2000s, Thierry assumes that video games are not a reasonable career path, and slowly gives up on his imaginary world. The urge to create as ... read more

A teen in the early 2000s, Thierry assumes that video games are not a reasonable career path, and slowly gives up on his imaginary world. The urge to create as a team and help people unwind is still a core driver of his, so he develops other interests.

He spends roughly 7 years playing drums in punk rock bands, studying to become a professional cook, and working in kitchens. While on a trip he meets a wise chef who helps him realize cooking is not his true calling, and entirely gives up. Hindered by severe ADHD, and having no record of any ability to do homework or study diligently, he doesn't have the courage to undertake the long journey of a computer science degree to pursue his dream.

He is at a loss on what to do with his life.

2003.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-3/index.html)

2003.10

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time comes out

A world class title is made in Montréal, a city close to Québec. It seems a serious career in games is possible in this little province after all. There is hope.

2003.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-4/index.html)

2003.09

Meanwhile, Steam (Valve) changes the game

Steam opens up the digital distribution of games with their store front, making it possible for smaller studios to get started, reach their audience and become ... read more

Steam opens up the digital distribution of games with their store front, making it possible for smaller studios to get started, reach their audience and become sustainable businesses. Lowering the barrier to entry is pivotal for the gaming market: a great idea, programming skills and a lot of focus can now be enough to get a shot on the market.

In 2007, 112 new games will come out on Steam.

In 2020, 10263 new games will come out on Steam.

2005.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-5/index.html)

2005.08

Thierry meets Dunlay

Thierry and Dunlay meet at work and become fast friends, bonding over gaming. They move in together, and over the next couple of years video games take the stag... read more

Thierry and Dunlay meet at work and become fast friends, bonding over gaming. They move in together, and over the next couple of years video games take the stage just like during their respectives childhoods.

The binge is on in the era of World of Warcraft and Twilight Princess.

2007.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-6/index.html)

2007.08

Thierry and Dunlay go to Game Dev School

After spending two years in carefree denial of adulthood, Thierry and Dunlay decide to shoot for the dream. A local school, Collège Bart, offers a 1 year course in games programming.

They enroll.

2007.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-7/index.html)

2007.08

Pac meets Dunlay and Thierry at the gamedev school

At school they meet Pac, who Thierry approaches because he has a Blind Guardian shirt. The friendship is instantaneous and very symbiotic. Pac is more on the sh... read more

At school they meet Pac, who Thierry approaches because he has a Blind Guardian shirt. The friendship is instantaneous and very symbiotic. Pac is more on the shy side but wants to have fun, and Thierry needs to learn how to do homework and study.

He will be forever grateful for Pac, without whom he absolutely would have failed school and given up on his dream. Along with Dunlay, they all get their degree.

2007.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-8/index.html)

2007.09

Thierry starts working on Darkest Night as a school project

The first school project is to design and solo dev a very small 2D game. Not sure what to make, Thierry draws from the fantasy world he had been imagining in hi... read more

The first school project is to design and solo dev a very small 2D game. Not sure what to make, Thierry draws from the fantasy world he had been imagining in his earlier years and starts working on "Darkest Night", a very early version of what would 10 years later become The Messenger.

2008.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-9/index.html)

2008.02

Before even finishing their 1-year program, the trio get their first job as Gameplay Programmers at a local game studio

The game servicing industry is booming in Québec City. About two thirds of the way into their one year program, Dunlay, Pac and Thierry get a guaranteed job at a local studio.

2008.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-10/index.html)

2008.08

Making friends, gaining experience

Over the next 7 years years, the trio is split on different projects. Thierry learns the ropes of production and becomes lead programmer on teams ranging from 7... read more

Over the next 7 years years, the trio is split on different projects. Thierry learns the ropes of production and becomes lead programmer on teams ranging from 7 to 40 devs.

Frédérik (Fro) and Sylvain (Sclout) are assigned to his team as soon as they join the company, and together they develop their own way of approaching production. A love for quality, a focus on gameplay, and the importance of meeting deadlines not by crunching, but rather planning carefully and making a point to communicate clearly.

2010.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-11/index.html)

2010.04

Meanwhile, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) is launched

Before there was a mature ecosystem with first party exclusivity deals and publishers hunting for new titles to add to their portfolio, it was a real puzzle to ... read more

Before there was a mature ecosystem with first party exclusivity deals and publishers hunting for new titles to add to their portfolio, it was a real puzzle to gather the financial means to work fulltime on a video game project with a small team.

The Canada Media Fund is launched, with the goal of supporting innovation in digital medias. This makes it much more viable for a studio to get started with funding, provided it can prove the potential of its idea. Over the years, the CMF would play a big role in helping the ecosystem grow into what it is today.

Over a bit more than 10 years, they funded 634 Canadian games.

2012.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-12/index.html)

2012.08

Philippe (Dzidzi, not to be confused with Phil) and Thierry meet

Dzidzi, a veteran level designer having worked on two Prince of Persia titles along with the first Assassin's Creed joins the studio on the same project as Thie... read more

Dzidzi, a veteran level designer having worked on two Prince of Persia titles along with the first Assassin's Creed joins the studio on the same project as Thierry, who recognizes his name from game credits and is instantly starstruck.

Over several months, Dzidzi is very generous with his time and expertise, and validates Thierry's dream of becoming a designer. To this day, even though they are now the closest of friends, Thierry is still starstruck (though to be fair Dzidzi was on a panel with Hideo Kojima once).

2013.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-13/index.html)

2013.12

Philip (Phil, not to be confused with Dzidzi) and Thierry meet

Phil appears to drop out of nowhere. A tech-meets-marketing wizkid who has been in the startup world for the past 5 years, now looking for a bit of stability. H... read more

Phil appears to drop out of nowhere. A tech-meets-marketing wizkid who has been in the startup world for the past 5 years, now looking for a bit of stability. He takes a job as junior project manager, and is very curious and respectful of the different crafts, while demonstrating experience and potential that is lost on the current context.

Thierry and him start hanging out and quickly acknowledge that they are meant to take each other to the next level. They go on long drives, day dreaming about launching a studio with the talented friends they met in recent years.

Thierry pitches The Messenger to his employer, gets rejected

After pitching The Messenger to his employer, Thierry is told it is "irrelevant, a terrible idea, and the proof he will never be a designer and should stick to coding".

It seems starting a studio is the only option indeed.

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2014.01

Gaining more experience, making more friends

Now with the distant goal of starting a studio in mind, Thierry keeps an eye out for talent in other crafts who seem cut from the same cloth as the ones he alre... read more

Now with the distant goal of starting a studio in mind, Thierry keeps an eye out for talent in other crafts who seem cut from the same cloth as the ones he already knows. He sees Michaël working on his pixel art personal project during lunch one day and introduces himself!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2015.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-15/index.html)

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2015.02

Dzidzi and Thierry turn game nights into gamedev nights

Dzidzi and Thierry are now very good friends. Every wednesday night is locked for gaming together. Eventually they scratch the retro itch and Thierry opens up a... read more

Dzidzi and Thierry are now very good friends. Every wednesday night is locked for gaming together. Eventually they scratch the retro itch and Thierry opens up about Ninja Gaiden. Turns out it was a big one for Dzidzi as well!

Since the two of them combined cover the basic crafts (Thierry code + game design, Dzidzi illustration + level design) they decide to start working on that ninja platformer idea that had been so poorly treated back in gamevdev school years ago, and so harshly received at work months ago.

For a few months they work on it evenings and weekends, mostly playing around with the cloudstep mechanic.

2015.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-16/index.html)

2015.02

Sclout goes to a pirate metal festival and meets Eric

Sclout posts a picture with him on Facebook. Thierry asks about it because of the GameBoy label, which leads him to discovering chiptune dance metal. He finds i... read more

Sclout posts a picture with him on Facebook. Thierry asks about it because of the GameBoy label, which leads him to discovering chiptune dance metal.

He finds it so catchy that he adds "And Rainbowdragoneyes (Eric) will make the music" to his daily daydream rant to Sclout about their future studio which, at this point, was still considered a fantasy.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2015.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-17/index.html)

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2015.05

Learning the ropes of business, getting some pixel art in

Michaël joins the unofficial team to provide proper pixel art for the prototype working with Dzidzi and Thierry. Meanwhile, Phil starts a small design and mark... read more

Michaël joins the unofficial team to provide proper pixel art for the prototype working with Dzidzi and Thierry.

Meanwhile, Phil starts a small design and marketing agency called PLÉ, and invites Thierry as a partner so he can learn the ropes of business.

2015.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-18/index.html)

2015.09

NightShroud?

The protoype is feeling good and things are getting real. A bit too excited and eager to get formalities out of the way, Thierry names the would be studio NightShroud and Michaël makes a logo for it.

2015.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-19/index.html)

2015.09

Eric has a gig in Québec city, Thierry hopes he can meet him

Sclout, Fro and Thierry go to the show, hoping Eric will simply walk off after his set and be open to talking, which literally happens just like that. The conve... read more

Sclout, Fro and Thierry go to the show, hoping Eric will simply walk off after his set and be open to talking, which literally happens just like that. The conversation is very brief, and very promising.

Thierry: "Hey Eric, nice set."

Eric: "Hm-hm."

Thierry: "So... I've been a game developer for about 8 years..."

Eric: "I like where this is going."

Thierry: "And I'm starting this indie studio to make retro sty-"

Eric: "Yes I will make your music."

2016.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-20/index.html)

2016.02

Phil and Thierry have lunch with Martin

Now armed with catchy music, it is becoming clear that The Messenger will happen and deserves to be more than a hobby project. Philip suggests showing it to Mar... read more

Now armed with catchy music, it is becoming clear that The Messenger will happen and deserves to be more than a hobby project.

Philip suggests showing it to Martin, who has experience with funding through the Canada Media Fund.

They have never worked together despite having been at the same studio for years, but Thierry and him did bond over a NOFX shirt once, so Martin takes the meeting.

Seeing the prototype and hearing the vision for retro aesthetics and modern design in a work environment with minimal management, he falls in love instantly and decides to quit his job to start this thing with Phil and Thierry.

2016.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-21/index.html)

2016.04

Thierry and Martin first talk publicly about The Messenger during the Startup Numix pitch session

After giving the pitch, they learn of the one precondition to accepting the prize, which is for the company to be incorporated. While NightShroud was a good pl... read more

After giving the pitch, they learn of the one precondition to accepting the prize, which is for the company to be incorporated.

While NightShroud was a good placeholder, it didn't mean much. With the goal of accepting a cash prize to bootstrap the studio in sight, the brainstorm to name and officially found the company is on. They are looking for something that will work both in French and English, while also being an acknowledgement of the thing they bonded over other than gaming: punk-rock.

They quickly vote for Sabotage.

Phil quits

Exhausted from the startup life, and confident that The Messenger will happen even without him, Phil leaves for a comfortable day job to see what it's like. Okay Phil.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2016.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-22/index.html)

Thierry and Martin officially create the company Sabotage Studio Inc.

It is now Officially Official! Thierry is to be game director, designer and writer, while Martin focuses on networking, funding through the Canada Media Fund, ... read more

It is now Officially Official!

Thierry is to be game director, designer and writer, while Martin focuses on networking, funding through the Canada Media Fund, and anything he can think of to let everyone else focus on creating the games such as paying rent and organizing special events.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2016.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-23/index.html)

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2016.04

Thierry starts Sabotage with Martin

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2016.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-24/index.html)

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2016.04

Martin starts Sabotage with Thierry

2016.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-25/index.html)

2016.05

Sabotage wins the Startup Numix 2016 Award

Sabotage wins the Numix for "Most promising startup" and takes home the hefty sum of 5000$.

They are on top of the world.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2016.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-26/index.html)

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2016.08

Sylvain (Sclout) joins the team

Sabotage's first employee! Since they met 8 years ago, Sclout and Thierry have stuck together for every milestone of their careers. Wanting total freedom while ... read more

Sabotage's first employee!

Since they met 8 years ago, Sclout and Thierry have stuck together for every milestone of their careers. Wanting total freedom while working on gameplay with Sclout is one of main reasons why Thierry wanted his own studio. Sclout's unique eye for good gameplay remains key to Sabotage's success to this day!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2016.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-27/index.html)

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2016.08

Eric joins the team!

That catchy Autumn Hills track took us this far, but it will take more to call it a soundtrack. Believing in the project and its odds of getting funded, Eric st... read more

That catchy Autumn Hills track took us this far, but it will take more to call it a soundtrack.

Believing in the project and its odds of getting funded, Eric starts dedicating more time to the project. He wouldn't be a "full time employee" until Sea of Stars, but The Messenger keeps him busy during the downtimes of his touring musician life.

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2016.08

Sabotage moves into a first office!

In the roof of a centennial house, Sabotage finds its first office. The "studio" was a simple room with two tables, but it was theirs.

Sclout loved sitting in the window.

2016.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-29/index.html)

2016.09

Sabotage gets a 100k loan from the bank

Fully believing in their company, and being very serious about taking good care of their One Entire Employee, Thierry and Martin put everything on the line to s... read more

Fully believing in their company, and being very serious about taking good care of their One Entire Employee, Thierry and Martin put everything on the line to secure a 100K loan from the bank.

From now on Martin can focus on CMF funding full time, while Sclout and Thierry do servicing 4 days a week, and spend Fridays working on The Messenger.

2016.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-30/index.html)

2016.10

CEIM Seattle Mission

A first time pitching since the Numix Awards, The Messenger is presented to Steam, Nintendo and Microsoft during a trip to Seattle with other Canadian indie studios.

2016.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-31/index.html)

2016.10

Through a contract with Oddworld Inhabitants, the studio can self-sustain

After their servicing client cancels their contract without warning, Sclout and Thierry start working directly with Oddworld Inhabitants, a gig which will eventually lead to a lot of hiring!

2016.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-32/index.html)

2016.10

Sclout and Thierry go to San Francisco for the first time

They spend a couple of weeks there working directly under Lorne and Bennie in Oddworld's studio. The two of them along with Sherry are very generous with their ... read more

They spend a couple of weeks there working directly under Lorne and Bennie in Oddworld's studio. The two of them along with Sherry are very generous with their knowledge and Thierry learns a lot about the role of creative director, the dream job he finally has a shot at through Sabotage.

Thierry still looks back on this trip as the gamedev equivalent of going away to train with kung-fu masters.

Sherry, Bennie and Lorne, thank you for everything <3

2017.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-33/index.html)

2017.01

Dzidzi takes a day off to visit Sabotage

Despite having loved his time working on the prototype, Dzidzi is a young father who prefers to stay at his current studio which feels safer. Thierry insists, s... read more

Despite having loved his time working on the prototype, Dzidzi is a young father who prefers to stay at his current studio which feels safer.

Thierry insists, so he takes a day off to visit their small room and play around with the level design tools and plugins Sclout had been implementing. He has fun with them, and can't help but express how great it would be to work on a full production with these tools, and to be with his friends again...

2017.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-34/index.html)

2017.01

The Messenger gets its CMF funding! 💰

After being rejected twice, The Messenger gets funding for 50% of the development costs. Finding the means to take the project home will remain a challenge, but... read more

After being rejected twice, The Messenger gets funding for 50% of the development costs. Finding the means to take the project home will remain a challenge, but everyone at the studio believes a publisher will be interested if they can only get the game to a point where the vision comes across.

Sclout and Thierry switch to working full time on The Messenger. It is time to ramp up the team, so Thierry initiates conversations with those he had in mind for expanding the team.

2017.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-35/index.html)

2017.02

GDC 2017

Used to industry events, Martin organizes Sabotage's mission at GDC 2017. It is a first for Thierry, who is mezmerised and tries to take it all in.

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2017.03

Pier-Luc joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Pier-Luc and Thierry met a little less than a year prior, and the fit was pretty apparent. Pier-Luc had demonstrated interest for tools development in a smaller... read more

Pier-Luc and Thierry met a little less than a year prior, and the fit was pretty apparent. Pier-Luc had demonstrated interest for tools development in a smaller studio, which seemed to be a good fit for the long term as the team planned on eventually working on its own RPG.

He accepts the offer right away.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-37/index.html)

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2017.03

Frédérik joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Fro had been eager to join since day one, but knew the studio needed more funding before it could expand. He was already aware of Sea of Stars and simply couldn... read more

Fro had been eager to join since day one, but knew the studio needed more funding before it could expand. He was already aware of Sea of Stars and simply couldn't wait for its production, which was further down the line. The plan was for him to wait until that moment to join.

Seeing as the studio had demand in servicing, he joined as soon as he got the offer, happy to be reunited with his friends.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-38/index.html)

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2017.03

Dzidzi joins the team on The Messenger!

Still daydreaming about The Messenger, and of the level designer fantasy of working with a simple yet proper toolset, Dzidzi entertains the thought of joining, ... read more

Still daydreaming about The Messenger, and of the level designer fantasy of working with a simple yet proper toolset, Dzidzi entertains the thought of joining, especially now that the studio has funding and can secure his role as family provider.

He never looked back, except for the occasional bout of disbelief that he might have missed out on this adventure.

2017.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-39/index.html)

2017.03

Jany lends her graphic design talent to create the logo

Jany was the perfect fit for this mandate. She got the vibe right away, even resonated with it, so there were very few iterations. The current logo was in her f... read more

Jany was the perfect fit for this mandate. She got the vibe right away, even resonated with it, so there were very few iterations.

The current logo was in her first propositions. After it was selected, she revealed it was her favorite amongst the options as well! A true instant hit.

Jany would remain Sabotage's go to for logos, later designing the ones for The Messenger, Picnic Panic, and Sea of Stars!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-40/index.html)

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2017.04

Jeakim joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

A true master of what is referred to as "tech art", Jeakim had only one ask: that we never tried to manage his schedule. Four years later, we can confirm with S... read more

A true master of what is referred to as "tech art", Jeakim had only one ask: that we never tried to manage his schedule.

Four years later, we can confirm with Sea of Stars' lighting system that magic indeed happens on its own time, with Jeakim often pushing updates at 4am on Sundays, while being nowhere to be seen on Wednesday afternoons.

We love him just the way he is. If you see him, please say hi for us.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-41/index.html)

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2017.04

Michaël joins the team on The Messenger!

Michaël was probably the easiest hire as he had been itching to join full time since the protoype in 2015. His unwavering drive and efficiency remain one of Sabotage's biggest hacks.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.06](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-42/index.html)

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2017.06

Jean-Luc joins the team on The Messenger!

Jean-Luc had never done pixel art, but had experience leading art teams and doing character art and animation, which was needed to complement Michaël's level a... read more

Jean-Luc had never done pixel art, but had experience leading art teams and doing character art and animation, which was needed to complement Michaël's level art skills.

Thierry and him hadn't worked together in a few years, then met at a punk-rock show one night. Thierry asked Jean-Luc if he would like to join Sabotage, to which he simply said "sure".

2017.06](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-43/index.html)

2017.06

The famous Sabotage baseball tee is born 💪

An instant classic!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-44/index.html)

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2017.10

Ricardo joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Ricardo simply writes in with his resume. He is fresh out of Collège Bart, the same school Thierry had been too. The mood and the timing feel right, it is time... read more

Ricardo simply writes in with his resume. He is fresh out of Collège Bart, the same school Thierry had been too. The mood and the timing feel right, it is time to give back!

Ricardo (and his smile) join the team to work on Oddworld Soulstorm.

\ \ 2017.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-45/index.html)

2017.10

Dunlay joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Thierry's long time friend since even before gamedev school, Dunlay reaches out about any opportunities. Realizing how ridiculous it is that they never got a ch... read more

Thierry's long time friend since even before gamedev school, Dunlay reaches out about any opportunities. Realizing how ridiculous it is that they never got a chance to work together despite this whole adventure starting with just the two of them, a place is made for him.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2017.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-46/index.html)

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2017.10

Carl joins the team on Oddworld Soulstorm!

Dev buddies with Sclout, Fro and Thierry since they worked together on the Skylanders web world back in 2011, it was clear that Carl would be the one to join as... read more

Dev buddies with Sclout, Fro and Thierry since they worked together on the Skylanders web world back in 2011, it was clear that Carl would be the one to join as soon as Sabotage needed QA talent.

Finally, it felt like the whole team was home.

But where the hell is Phil?

\ \ Play video\ \ 2017.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-47/index.html)

The Messenger is showcased for the first time at MIGS

2017.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-48/index.html)

2017.11

The Messenger wins the Gameplay Design and Music Awards at The Montreal Independent Games Festival

The one and only Osama Dorias sees potential in The Messenger right away and gives props to the team. With praise from now not one but two big names, and two awards in a row, the team is ecstatic.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-49/index.html)

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2018.01

Our very own Discord server

The dev team are alone on the server for a while. None of us would have guessed it would eventually grow this much, reaching over 16 000 members (as of April 2021)!

2018.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-50/index.html)

2018.01

The Messenger is officially announced with a trailer, and a front page feature on Polygon

Jeremy Parish (Retronauts) covers The Messenger's announcement on Polygon and links to the trailer, which gets over 40k views in the first few days along with a... read more

Jeremy Parish (Retronauts) covers The Messenger's announcement on Polygon and links to the trailer, which gets over 40k views in the first few days along with a string of positive comments.

The team can't believe it.

2018.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-51/index.html)

2018.01

The Messenger is first shown to the international public during PAX South 2018

A pivotal moment for Sabotage, as Devolver Digital tries The Messenger for the first time and demonstrates interest. It is also the first contact with Jirard "T... read more

A pivotal moment for Sabotage, as Devolver Digital tries The Messenger for the first time and demonstrates interest.

It is also the first contact with Jirard "The Completionist" Khalil, who is blown away by Thierry's pitch and the playable demo.

Jrocthegod, a streamer who plays games with his feet, brings his controller to play the demo. A Kotaku journalist captures the moment and writes an article.

It is becoming increasingly clear that something might happen around our little game.

2018.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-52/index.html)

2018.02

Sabotage hosts the Flambeau

A staple of Québec City's gamedev scene, studios take turns hosting social events for local devs. When it was Sabotage's turn, a bus full of industry friends f... read more

A staple of Québec City's gamedev scene, studios take turns hosting social events for local devs. When it was Sabotage's turn, a bus full of industry friends from Montréal showed up, making the night extra special.

What a tightnit community!

As a bonus, Savannah showed up at the event hoping to meet the team and let them know she wanted to join. She became fast friends with everyone, and her interview was booked right away.

2018.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-53/index.html)

2018.02

The contract is signed with Devolver

The "wouldn't it be awesome if" scenario comes true.

We will forever be thankful to Devolver for believing in us so early. MERCI DEVOLVER <3

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2018.03

Savannah joins to work on The Messenger!

The interview was super short: Savannah: "I'm fresh out of school but I think what you do is pretty cool and I would like to know what I need to work on to be a... read more

The interview was super short:

Savannah: "I'm fresh out of school but I think what you do is pretty cool and I would like to know what I need to work on to be able to join within 5 years."

Thierry: "It's all about the fit with the team. What do you like other than video games and 2D animation?"

Savannah: "I'm into gore."

A sucker for quality timing in humor, Thierry offers her a job on the spot.

2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-55/index.html)

2018.03

popagenda joins the party

Just as The Messenger gets signed by Devolver, a new PR firm called popagenda is founded by Genevière St-Onge, Nicolas Verge and Marie-Christine Bourdua. Gen i... read more

Just as The Messenger gets signed by Devolver, a new PR firm called popagenda is founded by Genevière St-Onge, Nicolas Verge and Marie-Christine Bourdua.

Gen is a long time friend and ex-colleague of many at Sabotage, and popagenda is ready to take its first project, so they team up!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-56/index.html)

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2018.03

The Messenger wins the Grand prize of the Ubisoft Indie Series 2018 🍾

It was all fun and games until the check didn't fit in the car.

2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-57/index.html)

2018.03

Official announcement that The Messenger will be published by Devolver

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-58/index.html)

The Messenger will launch on Nintendo Switch announcement

2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-59/index.html)

2018.03

The Messenger wins the Best of The Mix Award at GDC 2018

A very meaningful validation for us, The Messenger wins Judges Pick at the 2018 Media Indie Exchange!

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-60/index.html)

With five months left until release, the game is starting to get some coverage!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-61/index.html)

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2018.04

The Messenger is picked up by IndieMegaBooth for Pax East 2018

Another big validation for us, and a chance for The Messenger to get more attention from the press.

We had some problems with the booth, but thankfully very few people remember "The essenger".

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/4\ 2018.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-62/index.html)

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2018.04

The studio moves into a new space in Le Réacteur on St-Vallier Est Street

Finally, we have our own place downtown!

The owner tells us we could even get an extra area if needed, to which we naively reply that we will "never be more than 10 people."

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-63/index.html)

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2018.05

Magalie joins Sabotage as a freelance producer!

Wearing too many hats, Thierry is overwhelmed on the producer side close to The Messenger's release. Magalie, the shrewdest manager he's ever met, accepts to jo... read more

Wearing too many hats, Thierry is overwhelmed on the producer side close to The Messenger's release.

Magalie, the shrewdest manager he's ever met, accepts to join the team for 3 months to coordinate the localization efforts, along with any project management items she identifies.

Thank you so much Magalie!

2018.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-64/index.html)

2018.05

Happy Birthday Fro!

Nothing is too much for our teammate, here’s a new car for you!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-65/index.html)

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2018.05

Thierry and Martin go to Japan for Bit Summit!

With a few days to spend before the big event, they see the sights and binge on ramen.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-66/index.html)

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2018.05

During the event in Kyoto, Ninja Gaiden designer Hideo Yoshizawa and composer Keiji Yamagishi play The Messenger!!!

Overwhelmed by the emotions of meeting and receiving praise from his childhood heroes, Thierry ugly cries in the restroom.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2018.06](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-67/index.html)

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2018.06

Gen (popagenda) and Martin tackle E3 2018

Meanwhile, the team is racing to finish the game and make it as good as they can. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the dream just might happen for Sabotage.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-68/index.html)

The US press tour for The Messenger is launched!

Martin and Thierry give an interview at Waypoint in Brooklyn, then Thierry heads off to a big press tour in San Francisco with Gen from popagenda. The big highl... read more

Martin and Thierry give an interview at Waypoint in Brooklyn, then Thierry heads off to a big press tour in San Francisco with Gen from popagenda.

The big highlight was the Up At Noon interview, during which Thierry was so nervous he never dared to watch it afterwards.

2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-69/index.html)

2018.08

Subsequently, the European press tour begins!

Martin attends Gamescom in Germany to bring more hype.

Usually very comfortable during events, he is taken aback by the sheer size of Gamescom and the number of attendees.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-70/index.html)

Behind-the-Schemes documentary on The Messenger is released

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-71/index.html)

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2018.08

The Messenger team flies to Seattle for the lauch event at PAX West 2018 ✈️

Everyone worked hard. Time to play hard!

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-72/index.html)

Jirard the Completionist on the big Devolver screen

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/5\ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-73/index.html)

1/5

2018.08

The Messenger launches worldwide on Steam and Switch

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/5\ 2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-74/index.html)

1/5

2018.08

The Messenger launch party 🎉

Seattle's Hard Rock Cafe is Sabotage's for the launch party, with a live performance from Rainbowdragoneyes!

2018.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-75/index.html)

2018.08

Phil beats The Messenger and calls Thierry crying after finishing The Messenger and reading the thank you note in the final story

It wasn't designed to trick him, but Phil (at last) starts considering leaving his comfortable day job to join Sabotage, as it should have been in the first place.

The team takes a month off 🌴

Some well deserved rest for all!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/4\ 2018.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-76/index.html)

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2018.09

Sabobo Summit 2018

Gen and Eric fly from the US. The entire team is gathered in a cabin for a week to celebrate The Messenger's success, and partake in a workshop about the next steps for Sabotage.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-77/index.html)

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2018.10

Picnic Panic and Sea of Stars are pitched to the team

Thierry leads a week long workshop, pitching both Picnic Panic and Sea of Stars to the team. Everyone gets familiar with the vision for both new titles, and spe... read more

Thierry leads a week long workshop, pitching both Picnic Panic and Sea of Stars to the team.

Everyone gets familiar with the vision for both new titles, and spend the week working daily sessions in sub teams to prepare pitches of their own, contributing ideas and closing in on a shared vision for both games.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-78/index.html)

Music from The Messenger is played during the Odyssée Musicale Video Game Music Symphony in Montreal

An honor Eric will never get over!

2018.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-79/index.html)

2018.11

The community triggers the ARG (Alternate Reality Game)

Following the discovery by a community member of some cryptic text found hidden in the game files, along with a hidden password briefly visible in Picnic Panic'... read more

Following the discovery by a community member of some cryptic text found hidden in the game files, along with a hidden password briefly visible in Picnic Panic's trailer, The ARG begins.

If you are curious about this ARG thing, you can follow this link, but be warned that it is quite the rabbit hole: https://the-messenger.fandom.com/wiki/ARG/November\_2018-February\_2019

\ \ Play video\ \ 2018.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-80/index.html)

While Picnic Panic is in production, Jeakim and Pier-Luc start pre-production for Sea of Stars.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-81/index.html)

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2018.12

The Messengers wins the 2018 Game Award for Best Debut Indie Title

At the time of this writing it has been more than two years and we still have no words. Merci.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2018.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-82/index.html)

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2018.12

A closer look

What a beauty. 😍

2019.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-83/index.html)

2019.01

Pax South 2019 🐴

Yee-haw!

2019.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-84/index.html)

2019.02

Phil finally pulls his head out of his ass and joins Sabotage

After a long discussion, countless emotions, and a sense of purpose, Phil partners up with Sabotage to be its executive producer and marketing head, making the ... read more

After a long discussion, countless emotions, and a sense of purpose, Phil partners up with Sabotage to be its executive producer and marketing head, making the studio whole on its initial vision.

Welcome home Phil.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2019.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-85/index.html)

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2019.02

Phil joins the team!

2019.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-86/index.html)

2019.02

Everything in moderation

As the Discord community is growing, some members with experience or interest towards moderation rise naturally to the task. Michael Starr (aka Kammesennin) ste... read more

As the Discord community is growing, some members with experience or interest towards moderation rise naturally to the task.

Michael Starr (aka Kammesennin) steps up to become Sabotage's official Lead Moderator, surrounded by a bunch of wonderful mods. Boo, Gzoubi, Sol, Storme the Cat, Aevoa and SwordSlash, thank you all so much for keeping our growing community safe and wholesome. <3

2019.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-87/index.html)

2019.03

Iam8bit opens the pre-orders for a limited edition Vinyl 2x LP of The Messenger’s soundtrack

It even has slick cover art by Peter Mohrbacher!

\ \ Play video\ \ 2019.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-88/index.html)

The Messenger releases on PS4

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2019.03

Special Reserve Games opens pre orders for a limited run of physical copies

Another dream come true for the team.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2019.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-90/index.html)

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2019.03

Picnic Panic gets a fancy tropical booth at Pax East

Devolver really has at it, even giving the booth a sunscreen scent vaporizer.

The team dresses up for the event, down to pixel sunglasses and ugly beach socks!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/6\ 2019.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-91/index.html)

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2019.04

Sabotage holds its 3 year anniversary party at Le Scanner in Québec City, featuring a live performance by Rainbowdragoneyes

A hundred people headbang to the sound of hardcore chiptune metal. Half of the crowd regrets being there, while the others have the best night of their life.

Sabotage in a nutshell!

2019.05](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-92/index.html)

2019.05

Patrick starts working on Sabotage’s websites!

It really clicked with Patrick, a web developer who shares Sabotage's passion for pixel perfect integration. His ability to listen and understand our vision all... read more

It really clicked with Patrick, a web developer who shares Sabotage's passion for pixel perfect integration.

His ability to listen and understand our vision allowed us to push the boundaries for low-budget websites. Jibz' web design ambitions is a perfect match with Patrick's thirst for integration challenges.

He is the developer behind this project, Sabotage's website, Sea of Stars website and The Messenger's website.

2019.06](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-93/index.html)

2019.06

Bit Summit 2019 in Kyoto

The love for Japan is real and an excuse to go back is more than welcome!

Thierry was even invited on stage for a live Q&A session.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/4\ 2019.07](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-94/index.html)

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2019.07

The Messenger DLC Picnic Panic is launched!

Beach party time.

2019.07](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-95/index.html)

2019.07

The remaining members from The Messenger team transition to Sea of Stars

Everyone who had joined Sabotage knew that the dream was to eventually have the means to make a turn-based RPG. Pre-production is on, tackling the infamous 3C (... read more

Everyone who had joined Sabotage knew that the dream was to eventually have the means to make a turn-based RPG.

Pre-production is on, tackling the infamous 3C (camera, character, controls), and sprinkling some of the platformer experience to reinvent some areas of the genre.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2019.07](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-96/index.html)

Sabotage gets its own burger at Chez Victor 🍔

Trying to solve the funding puzzle, the idea of doing a Kickstarter for Sea of Stars emerges

The studio is all in, reinvesting everything from The Messenger into the next dream project.

The idea of a Kickstarter came about as the perfect solution to mitigate risk by crowdfunding part of the budget, and validating whether or not there was any hype for a turn-based RPG made by Sabotage.

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2019.08

Anne-Marie joins Sabotage to handle finances and HR!

It is now clear that the studio is in it for the long run, and the growing needs for structure are becoming apparent. Boasting over 12 years of experience worki... read more

It is now clear that the studio is in it for the long run, and the growing needs for structure are becoming apparent.

Boasting over 12 years of experience working in game studios administrative branches, she is the perfect fit.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-98/index.html)

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2019.08

Chong Mon Chi joins the team!

Despite all the time spent in gamedev talking about sprints, a career is really a marathon. Facing the reality that devs are seldom known for their healthy habi... read more

Despite all the time spent in gamedev talking about sprints, a career is really a marathon.

Facing the reality that devs are seldom known for their healthy habits, we found a very good fit with Chi, who is naturally driven to call people out when they are doing their future selves a disservice.

Avid boxer, zen practitioner, tea specialist and massage therapist, Chi keeps an eye on all of us to make sure we keep our stress levels in check, and can have long and healthy careers.

You're the best, Chi!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/5\ 2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-99/index.html)

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2019.08

Sabocamp 2019 🏕

Taking a break from computer screens, Unity, Slack notifications and pixels, the team gathers in nature for two days of swimming in the river, listening to camp... read more

Taking a break from computer screens, Unity, Slack notifications and pixels, the team gathers in nature for two days of swimming in the river, listening to campfire stories, playing outdoor games and roasting marshmallows.

Jeakim hates camping, but loves the team, so he takes the hit. Thanks Jeakim, you can pick the activity next time!

2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-100/index.html)

2019.08

Thierry joins The Completionist for IndieLand 2019

On the west coast for a road trip, Thierry attends IndieLand 2019 in person, and has the honor of waxing Jirard's arm!

2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-101/index.html)

2019.08

Lana works on concept art as a freelancer

Lana brings her skills to the table for the very first character design iterations on Sea of Stars. It was too early to close in on any final designs, but the e... read more

Lana brings her skills to the table for the very first character design iterations on Sea of Stars. It was too early to close in on any final designs, but the early passes really helped mapping and defining the cast a bit more.

Thanks Lana!

2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-102/index.html)

2019.08

The Messenger turns 1! 🎂

The team celebrates in the only possible way. With a Quarble cake.

2019.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-103/index.html)

2019.08

The Messenger Physical edition special launch event at La Planque

The Quarble cake wasn't enough, so a signing of physical Switch and PS4 copies of the game happens at the best local game store Québec City has to offer, La Planque!

2019.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-104/index.html)

2019.09

The SaboCup Speedrunning Tournament is launched

One last round of celebration, Sabotage hosts a Messenger speedrun tournament, offering 5000$ to the winner! Savannah even makes a physical trophy, the SaboCup!... read more

One last round of celebration, Sabotage hosts a Messenger speedrun tournament, offering 5000$ to the winner!

Savannah even makes a physical trophy, the SaboCup!

Thanks to Coltaho, DreamHazard, Kammesennin, Kyleberry, Shayfe, Minous and all the others for the organization!

Sabotage and Oddworld Inhabitants part ways

After careful consideration, the challenges of making Oddworld Soulstorm the game it derserves to be are incompatible with Sabotage's intention to focus on its own IPs.

We will remain eternally grateful for the time we got to spend on this project <3

\ \ Dunlay leaves Saboage.\ \ With the whole studio now focusing on Sea of Stars, there are too many programmers, and two will sadly have to be let go. Having confidence in his ability to find work elsewhere, Dunlay leaves so that Ricardo's position can be secured until he has more experience.\ \ Tears were shed, but there were no regrets. Thanks for everything Dunlay!](/content/story/#/index.html)

2019.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-106/index.html)

2019.10

The Messenger is showcased at EGX in London

Phil, Martin and Michaël go to London!

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2019.10

Jean-Bernard (Jibz) joins the team!

A graphic designer with an impressive resume, and Phil's go to team mate from a previous gig. On top of his UX/UI expertise, Jibz has all the skills the studio ... read more

A graphic designer with an impressive resume, and Phil's go to team mate from a previous gig.

On top of his UX/UI expertise, Jibz has all the skills the studio is missing to do proper marketing, from web design to video editing to photography. He is the secret ingredient to having a real shot at an impactful Kickstarter campaign.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2019.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-108/index.html)

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2019.11

Thierry gives a talk in Banff for Reboot Red 2019

The talk is titled "Designing The Messenger: how embracing vulnerability can fuel the creative process".

Let's just say things got a bit emotional.

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2019.11

Édouard joins the team!

Another experienced animator joins the party!

All Ed is asking for is the chance to work on motion for Cool Combat Moves, and to not be questioned too much on how much ramen he eats.

2019.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-110/index.html)

2019.11

Montreal International Games Summit 2019

Thierry is very nervous as he prepares to pitch Sea of Stars to industry movers for the first time using an early prototype. Thankfully, Martin and Phil are the... read more

Thierry is very nervous as he prepares to pitch Sea of Stars to industry movers for the first time using an early prototype.

Thankfully, Martin and Phil are there to cheer him on.

They also meet with Anya Combs from Kickstarter, who offers insights for the Sea of Stars campaign currently being planned.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2019.11](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-111/index.html)

TwoCPlus is the official winner of the 2019 SaboCup! 🏆

2019.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-112/index.html)

2019.12

Sabobo Summit Xmas edition 2019

The team retreats in a mountain cabin for some relaxing fun!

Fireplace, hot tub, SSBU, and a game of Chromino we will never forget.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/7\ 2019.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-113/index.html)

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2019.12

Sabotage moves into a new office on Saint-Joseph street in downtown Québec City

It really is the perfect spot!

For the final touch, Jean-Luc and his girlfriend paint our logo on the big wall.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/4\ 2020.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-114/index.html)

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2020.01

Shooting the Kickstarter video 🎥

Our friend Loup, who previously filmed the Behind-the-Schemes documentary as well as the burger promo video, comes to the office for a full 2 days of shooting. ... read more

Our friend Loup, who previously filmed the Behind-the-Schemes documentary as well as the burger promo video, comes to the office for a full 2 days of shooting.

Thierry is a nervous mess, but Loup's unrelenting patience and clear vision take it home. In the end, everyone is happy with the video.

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2020.02

Bryce Kho joins the team to handle concept art!

Since we met through Devolver, Bryce has been doing Key Art for our games, including the upcoming reveal for Sea of Stars. Genuinely excited about the game, he ... read more

Since we met through Devolver, Bryce has been doing Key Art for our games, including the upcoming reveal for Sea of Stars.

Genuinely excited about the game, he joins the team to do character design and concept art.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2020.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-116/index.html)

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2020.02

Thommy joins the team!

Thommy emails Thierry out of blue with the subject line "Another boy in the well". The connection is instantaneous, Thommy loves the project and Thierry can tel... read more

Thommy emails Thierry out of blue with the subject line "Another boy in the well".

The connection is instantaneous, Thommy loves the project and Thierry can tell his personality is a natural fit. He starts right ayway with a first challenge: animating the big monstrer scream for the ending of the reveal trailer for Sea of Stars.

Thommy aces it, and has been a core team member ever since.

2020.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-117/index.html)

2020.02

Stephanie Tinsley was in the the shadows all along!

Stephanie Tinsley from Tinsley PR is hustling to book a very busy GDC with the press. She says Thierry will be "so tired of pitching he will hate her by the end... read more

Stephanie Tinsley from Tinsley PR is hustling to book a very busy GDC with the press. She says Thierry will be "so tired of pitching he will hate her by the end."

Thanks so much for all the help and insights Stephanie!

2020.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-118/index.html)

2020.02

Sea of Stars teaser!

It isn't The Messenger 2, but fans pick up on the musical hint.

GDC is cancelled. There goes the big plan.

GDC was jam packed and the dream was alive for a big reveal for Sea of Stars, but now the lockdown hits.

Time to make a clutch decision: reveal the game anyway and risk no one being receptive to a Kickstarter because of the current events, or go back into stealth mode until the dust settles?

There would be no sleep that night.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all Sabotage employees start working remotely from home 🏠

Lockdown isn't mandated yet in Québec City, but to be safe everyone is sent home.

We couldn't enjoy the new office for very long, but it is a very minor complaint all things considered.

2020.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-119/index.html)

2020.03

The remote PR campaign is on to support the upcoming Sea of Stars announcement and Kickstarter launch

The clutch decision was made to film a video pitch and salvage as many appointments as possible in remote form. Stephanie is proud of the team for turning aroun... read more

The clutch decision was made to film a video pitch and salvage as many appointments as possible in remote form. Stephanie is proud of the team for turning around so quickly as all appointments still hold!

Phil and Thierry conduct back to back interviews in the empty studio for a few days.

2020.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-120/index.html)

2020.03

The Kickstarter for Sea of Stars is launched, in spite of everything

In one of the most stressful moments since the beginning of Sabotage, the button is pressed and the campaign goes live as the press embargo is lifted. Given the... read more

In one of the most stressful moments since the beginning of Sabotage, the button is pressed and the campaign goes live as the press embargo is lifted.

Given the current events, there is no way to tell how it will play out.

2020.03](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-121/index.html)

2020.03

The Kickstarter objective is reached within 7 hours

Phil and Thierry sit alone on their last day in the empty studio, exhausted but filled with euphoria. It is a shame to be unable to high five the team, but sure... read more

Phil and Thierry sit alone on their last day in the empty studio, exhausted but filled with euphoria.

It is a shame to be unable to high five the team, but surely this whole pandemic will be resolved with a few weeks and they will all be able to get together again.

Right?

2020.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-122/index.html)

2020.04

Announcement that Mitsuda will be contributing music to Sea of Stars

No words here, other than this is hands down the biggest thing to happen to the dream, ever.

2020.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-123/index.html)

2020.04

All stretch goals are smashed, and more

We had mapped a bunch of scenarios, but even the sunniest one wasn't this big.

Not wanting to bloat production, the decision is made to stop adding stretch goals so that the game's vision can remain whole.

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2020.04

The Kickstarter for Sea of Stars is over

The team is blown away by the response. It is officially the biggest canadian campaign of all time for a video game!

Time to focus on production and figure out this remote work thing.

2020.06](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-125/index.html)

2020.06

The Messenger is available on Xbox

At last, The Messenger is available on all major platforms.

\ \ Martin leaves Sabotage.\ \ Martin longs for more free time, and to focus on his family. Sabotage's networker in chief makes his exit amidst the pandemic, adding yet another party on the pile for when the team could get together again.\ \ While Martin may be gone from the company, he will remain a member at heart forever, and a close friend to the team. No need to say hi if you see him, he'll probably come and talk to you! \ \ Cheers Martin, and thank you for everything <3 <3 <3](/content/story/#/index.html)

\ \ Play video\ \ 2020.08](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-127/index.html)

The playable demo for Sea of Stars is released to super backers

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2020.09

The team finally gets together after months of remote work

For the first time since launching the Kickstarter, the team gets together for a socially distant gathering.

As of this writing (April 2021) they have yet to meet up again!

2020.09](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-129/index.html)

2020.09

Jirard plays Sea of Stars at IndieLand 2020!

The event raised over $80 000 for dementia research. Good job Jirard!

\ \ Pier-Luc leaves Sabotage.\ \ From hiring to departures, Sabotage makes a point never to pressure or influence employees based on the company's priorities, preferring to ensure everyone pursues their own definition of accomplishment.\ \ Filled with uncertainties, Pier-Luc visits Thierry one night to open up about how he feels the call of the wild, has a newfound passion for woodworking, and believes he might be doing a disservice to the studio by keeping his position despite not being fully there at heart anymore. The seat was his if he wanted it, but there were no obligations.\ \ Pier-Luc was proud of his accomplishments but didn't want to see himself grow into what he believed would ultimately be a detriment to the team, so he chose to leave.\ \ Thanks for everything PL, your tools will carry us to the end of this production!](/content/story/#/index.html)

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2020.09

Axel joins the team!

Michaël needs backup to tackle the level art scope of Sea of Stars, so he recommends a friend of his from art school.

Axel was hired within 5 hours.

2020.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-132/index.html)

2020.10

Sea of Stars is on the cover of Wireframe Magazine (UK)

A great honor to see our game making the cover of Wireframe, along with a fully fledged 5 pages article!

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2020.10

Bruno joins the team!

Everyone at Sabotage was a fan of the animator known as "Bruno Pixels".

To the team's delight, he accepts the offer to join the project, and starts working full time with Sabotage!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2020.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-134/index.html)

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2020.10

A new Martin joins the team!

To work at full capacity, even more animation talent is required. Michaël and Édouard refer Martin, who has never done pixel animation but has extensive exper... read more

To work at full capacity, even more animation talent is required. Michaël and Édouard refer Martin, who has never done pixel animation but has extensive experience in design and motion.

Laid back and focused, Martin learned the ropes of pixel art in record time.

2020.10](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-135/index.html)

2020.10

The Fall Guys Messenger skin is launched

Another hit for the Devolver Family. Congrats to MediaTonic for the huge hype they built around Fall Guys.

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2020.11

Pac joins the team!

As if to close a loop, Pac, the guy who helped Thierry learn to do his homework and get his gamedev school degree over 10 years before, joins Sabotage to tackle... read more

As if to close a loop, Pac, the guy who helped Thierry learn to do his homework and get his gamedev school degree over 10 years before, joins Sabotage to tackle the growing backend challenges surrounding security, websites, and special projects such as the backers crypt.

Together again, at last!

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/3\ 2020.12](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-137/index.html)

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2020.12

Thierry and Phil distribute the Sabotage Remote Care Packages in person to the team

A little side project for Phil, Anne-Marie and Thierry, the care packages are designed to warm the hearts of the team in the cold Québec winter just in time fo... read more

A little side project for Phil, Anne-Marie and Thierry, the care packages are designed to warm the hearts of the team in the cold Québec winter just in time for the holidays.

Thierry and Phil spend the day delivering them in person while respecting social distancing. It is bittersweet being unable to hug each other, but given the circumstances it is more sweet than bitter.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2021.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-138/index.html)

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2021.01

Stevens joins the team!

And ex colleague with who the fit was great, Steven had applied for a QA position back in 2018 a couple of months before the release of The Messenger, but the t... read more

And ex colleague with who the fit was great, Steven had applied for a QA position back in 2018 a couple of months before the release of The Messenger, but the timing wasn't good.

His motivation was duly noted, and now that Carl was transitioning over to full time integrator, Steven was offered a job.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1/2\ 2021.01](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-139/index.html)

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2021.01

Mathieu joins the team!

With a growing community around both Sea of Stars and The Messenger, numerous ongoing marketing projects and 3 brands to sustain on multipe channels, Phil is co... read more

With a growing community around both Sea of Stars and The Messenger, numerous ongoing marketing projects and 3 brands to sustain on multipe channels, Phil is completely overwhelmed.

Talking to a couple friends about the situation, all recommendations end up pointing in one direction: "You have to meet Math".

Upon meeting him, the connection is instant. His wholesome vibe and appetite for learning is a perfect fit with the Sabotage team.

He is introduced to the community a couple weeks later as the new Sabotage Community Manager!

2021.02](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-140/index.html)

2021.02

Sabotage signs with Kowloon Nights to secure funding for Sea of Stars

Upon the first meeting with Callum and Alexis, it is clear that they understand on a deep level the long term vision for Sabotage. The fit is great and the deal... read more

Upon the first meeting with Callum and Alexis, it is clear that they understand on a deep level the long term vision for Sabotage.

The fit is great and the deal is fair. Things move quickly and everyone is excited to make the announcement.

\ \ Ricardo leaves Sabotage.\ \ Now with a better assessment of production needs, a sad truth emerges; additional Level Design support is needed, a reality that has been falling on Ricardo lap for a couple of months. If it kept going, this meant he would orient himself away from his mid to long term career goal of being more of a core programmer.\ \ To the benefit of both his career and Sea of Stars, the heartbreaking decision is made that Ricardo will leave the studio. Now boasting three years of experience at Sabotage, he finds work within a week!\ \ Thanks for everything Ric! We will miss your smile, and we wish you all the best!](/content/story/#/index.html)

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2021.03

Frédéric Émel joins the team!

When asked who he would imagine joining him to turn Level Design into a team of two, Dzidzi said Fred Émel right away, reminiscing how great a connection they ... read more

When asked who he would imagine joining him to turn Level Design into a team of two, Dzidzi said Fred Émel right away, reminiscing how great a connection they had at a previous studio.

During the interview, Fred Émel mentioned how he had considered applying before, but thought Sabotage was "too cool" and "out of reach".

Who's cool now, Fred Émel?

\ \ Play video\ \ 2021.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-143/index.html)

IGN speedrun of The Messenger

2021.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-144/index.html)

2021.04

Sea of Stars wins the crowdfunding campaign of the year

The international panel of judges from GameIndustry.biz vote Sea of Stars the 2020 crowdfunding campaign of the year at the Indie Publishing Award.

The team is over the moon.

\ \ Play video\ \ 2021.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-145/index.html)

New area reveal: The Moorlands

A big internal milestone for the team, as a new area is now at "presentation quality". There were no bugs and there were no glitches. Good job team! After only ... read more

A big internal milestone for the team, as a new area is now at "presentation quality". There were no bugs and there were no glitches.

Good job team!

After only one short practise round, Mathieu co-hosts the stream, feeding Thierry questions from the community as he shows off the new area. There were no awkward silences and there was no cringe.

Good job Math!

2021.04](/content/story/#m-history-page-timeline-zoom-146/index.html)

2021.04

Sabotage turns 5!

Roster4 2016