Behaviour Interactive Inc.
Formerly
  • Megatoon (1992–1997)
  • Artificial Mind & Movement (2000–2010)
TypePrivate
IndustryVideo games
FoundedSeptember 21, 1992 (1992-09-21) in Quebec City, Canada
FounderRémi Racine
Headquarters,
Canada
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Rémi Racine (President)
  • Stephen Mulrooney (CTO)
  • Wayne Meazza (EVP Studios)
  • Roland Ribotti (CFO)
Products
Number of employees
>1,300[1] (2022)
Divisions
  • Behaviour Digital
  • Behaviour Studios
  • Business Solutions
Subsidiaries
Websitebhvr.com

Behaviour Interactive Inc. is a Canadian video game developer based in Montreal. The studio is best known for the mutliplayer horror game Dead by Daylight.

History

The company was founded in 1992 in Quebec City as Megatoon.[2] Two years later, the company's current CEO and executive producer, Rémi Racine, co-founded the Montreal-based Multimedia Interactive (MMI) to develop interactive entertainment software for CD-ROM.[3] Both companies were sold to Malofilm Communications in 1996, and a year later, they were merged into Behaviour Interactive with Racine as general manager.[3] In 1997, the studio released Jersey Devil on PlayStation and later Windows. The 3D platformer was the first console game made entirely in Quebec.[4] Distributed by Sony, Jersey Devil caught the eye of Infogrames Entertainment, which approached Behaviour to produce what would become Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time, released in 1999.

Artificial Mind & Movement era

In 1999, Racine and some investors bought the studio back, but they had to rename it, changing the name in 2000 to Artificial Mind & Movement Inc. (A2M).[5][3] As A2M, the studio continued its work-for-hire projects, producing titles for clients including Konami, Sony Computer Entertainment, Ubisoft, Disney Interactive Studios, Nintendo, EA and Activision. In November 2008, the company acquired Santiago-based Wanako Games from Activision Blizzard,[6] which was the first and largest South American game studio.[3] As A2M, the studio maintained its focus on producing original titles, releasing Scaler (2004), Wet (2009) and Naughty Bear (2010). This last title had more than 800,000 console-unit sales and laid the groundwork for the studio's 2016 breakthrough original game, Dead by Daylight.[7]

2nd Behaviour Interactive era

On November 8, 2010, Artificial Mind & Movement announced its name was returning to Behaviour Interactive.[8] The change was partly due to increased production of original titles and thus stronger presence in the gaming community, partly due to the availability of the original name, and partly due to one particular obscene interpretation of the initialism "A2M".[5]

The studio has maintained its work-for-hire services with major clients while continuing to invest in original games. In 2016, Behaviour released Dead by Daylight, a multiplayer survival action horror game published by Sweden's Starbreeze. Dead by Daylight sold more than 1 million copies in its first two months[9][10] and by 2022 had more than 50 million players worldwide.[11] In 2018, Behaviour purchased the game's publishing rights from Starbreeze for US$16 million.[12] Thanks in large part to the game's success, Behaviour has seen its revenues grow from CAD $25 million in 2015 to CAD $225 million in 2021.[13][14]

In April 2022, Behaviour announced the opening of a new office in Toronto. The studio said the office will accommodate at least 50 employees working on projects across Behaviour's three business units.[15]

In May 2022, it was announced Behaviour Interactive had acquired the Seattle-based game development studio Midwinter Entertainment.[16]

Behaviour's next major original release, Meet Your Maker, was released in April 2023 on PC, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One, Series X/S. The game was billed as a "post-apocalyptic first-person building-and-raiding game where every level is designed by players for players."[17]

In the summer of 2022, Behaviour released Hooked on You, a dating sim spinoff from the Dead by Daylight franchise, and the melee brawler Flippin Misfits. Both games were revealed alongside Meet Your Maker at the first Behaviour Beyond showcase of new and upcoming releases broadcast in August 2022.[18]

In February 2023, it was announced that Behaviour had acquired UK-based video game developer SockMonkey Studios,[19] which is now renamed Behaviour UK - North.

In March 2023, it was announced that a film based on Dead by Daylight is in development, with Blumhouse Productions, Atomic Monster and Striker Entertainment co-producing.[20]

In May 2023, Concordia University in Montreal announced the creation of a new Behaviour-funded research chair in video game design in its Department of Design and Computation Arts. Behaviour will provide $2-million in funding for the research chair over the next 10 years.[21]

In July 2023, Behaviour announced the opening of a new studio in Truro, Cornwall, called Behaviour UK - South.[22]

In August 2023, Behaviour acquired Netherlands-based video game developer Codeglue, renaming it Behaviour Rotterdam.[23]

In November 2023, Behaviour announced that Dead by Daylight had surpassed the 60-million player milestone.[24]

Business units

Behaviour's operations are divided into three business units – Studios, Digital and Business Solutions.[25] Its Studios unit provides work-for-hire development services to major video game and entertainment industry brands such as Disney, Sony, Activision, Warner Bros., Ubisoft, HBO and Nintendo. Its Digital unit produces Behaviour's original content including Dead by Daylight. Behaviour's Business Solutions unit applies game technology to business ends for corporate clients such as Bombardier, CAE and CN Rail.[26]

Abolition of crunch time

Behaviour Interactive made headlines as one of the first video game studios to abolish crunch time, a controversial yet widespread practice in the video game industry that requires employees to work longer hours, often unpaid, to meet project milestones.[27][28][29] The policy helped Behaviour earn its designation as one of Canada's Best Workplaces by gamesindustry.biz in 2018 and again in 2021 and 2022.[28][30]

Titles

as Artificial Mind & Movement

Game titleYear releasedPlatformPublisher
The Grinch2000PS, PC, DCKonami
Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters2000PS, PCInfogrames
Smurf Racer!2001PSInfogrames
Monsters, Inc. Scream Team2001PS, PS2, PCSony Computer Entertainment
Ice Age2002GBAUbisoft
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Mayhem2003GBA, PS2, GC, XboxTHQ
Carmen Sandiego: The Secret of the Stolen Drums2004PS2, GC, XboxBAM! Entertainment
Home on the Range2004GBABuena Vista Games
Disney's Kim Possible 2: Drakken's Demise2004GBABuena Vista Games
Scaler2004PS2, GC, XboxTake-Two Interactive
Get On Da Mic2004PS2Eidos Interactive
Lizzie McGuire 2: Lizzie Diaries2004GBABuena Vista Games
Disney Move2004PS2 EyeToyBuena Vista Games
Scooby-Doo! Unmasked2005GBA, PS2, GC, Xbox, DSTHQ
Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible2005GBABuena Vista Games
That's So Raven 2: Supernatural Style2005GBABuena Vista Games
everGirl... your way to play!2005GBA, PCTHQ
Chicken Little2005GBABuena Vista Games
Teen Titans2005GBAMajesco Entertainment
Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Mis-Edventures2005GBA, PC, PS2, GC, XboxMidway Games
Flow: Urban Dance Uprising2005PS2Ubisoft
Disney's Kim Possible: Kimmunicator2005DSBuena Vista Games
Teen Titans2006PS2, GC, XboxTHQ, Majesco Entertainment
Monster House2006PS2, GC, GBA, DSTHQ
The Ant Bully2006Wii, PS2, GC, GBA, PCMidway Games
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Tipton Caper2006GBABuena Vista Games
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Tipton Trouble2006DSBuena Vista Games
Teen Titans 2: The Brotherhood's Revenge2006GBAMajesco Entertainment
Disney's Kim Possible: What's the Switch?2006PS2Buena Vista Games
The Sims 2: Pets2006GBAEA
Happy Feet2006DS, Wii, PS2, GC, GBA, PCMidway Games
Disney's Kim Possible: Global Gemini2007DSBuena Vista Games
Drake & Josh2007GBATHQ
Enchanted: Once Upon Andalasia2007GBABuena Vista Games
High School Musical: Livin' the Dream2007GBABuena Vista Games
High School Musical: Makin' the Cut!2007DS, Wii, PS2Buena Vista Games
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe2007DS, PSPActivision
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Circle of Spies2007DSDisney Interactive Studios
Power Rangers: Super Legends2007DS, PS2, PCDisney Interactive Studios
High School Musical: Sing It!2007PS2, WiiDisney Interactive Studios
The Golden Compass2007DSSega
High School Musical 2: Work This Out!2008DSDisney Interactive Studios
Iron Man2008DS, Wii, PS2, PSP, PCSega
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor2008DSVivendi Games
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames2008PS2Electronic Arts
Transformers Animated: The Game2008DSActivision
Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors2008DS, WiiActivision
Lord of the Rings: Conquest2009DSEA
MySims Racing2009DS, WiiEA
Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen!2009PS3, X360, WiiWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs2009DSActivision
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings2009DS, Wii, PS2LucasArts
Shorts2009DSMajesco Entertainment
Wet2009PS3, X360Bethesda Softworks
Dante's Inferno2010PSPEA
Revenge of the Wounded Dragons2010PS3Sony Computer Entertainment
Naughty Bear2010PS3, X360505 Games
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures 22010PS3, X360Konami

as Behaviour Interactive

Game titleYear releasedPlatformPublisher
Jersey Devil1997PS, PC
Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time1999PS , PCInfogrames
MySims SkyHeroes2010X360, Wii, PS3, DSEA
Doritos Crash Course2010X360Microsoft Studios
Tetris2011PSN (PS3)EA
Monkey Quest 2011 PC Nickelodeon
Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime2011PSN (PS3), XLA (X360), PCAtari
Rango: The Video Game2011X360, Wii, PS3, DSEA
Paramount Digital Entertainment
Transformers: Dark of the Moon2011Wii, 3DS, DSActivision
Wipeout in the Zone2011X360Activision
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked2011Wii, DS, X360
Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut2011DSD3 Publisher
Voltron: Defender of the Universe2011PSN (PS3), XLA (X360)THQ
Brave: The Video Game2012Wii, DS, PS3, X360, PCDisney Interactive Studios
Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games2012Wii, 3DS, DS, X360Activision
Wipeout 32012Wii, Wii U, X360Activision
Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise2012PSN (PS3), XLA (X360)505 Games
Monsters University2013iOS, AndroidDisney Mobile
After Earth2013iOS, AndroidReliance Games
Doritos Crash Course 22013X360Microsoft Studios
Disney's Planes2013Wii, Wii UDisney Interactive Studios
Pacific Rim: The Mobile Game2013iOS, Android
Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff2013Wii, Wii U, 3DS, DS, X360
SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge2013Wii, Wii U, 3DS, DS, PS3, X360Activision
Zoo Tycoon: Friends2014Windows 8, Windows PhoneMicrosoft Studios
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor2014PS3, X360Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Pro Feel Golf2015iOS, AndroidBehaviour Interactive
SpongeBob HeroPants20153DS, PS Vita, X360Activision
Home: Boov Pop!2015iOS, AndroidBehaviour Interactive
Fallout Shelter2015iOS, Android, PC, Switch, PS4, XOneBethesda Softworks
The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy's Grand Adventure20153DS, PS4, Wii U, X360, XOneActivision
Dead by Daylight2016Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Stadia, XOne, Xbox Series X/SStarbreeze Studios (2016 - 2018) / Behaviour Interactive[31] (2018 - )
Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade2016PCBandai Namco
Love & Hip Hop The Game2016iOS, AndroidBehaviour Interactive
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition2016XOne, PCMicrosoft Studios
Assassin's Creed: Rebellion2017iOS, AndroidUbisoft
Westworld2018iOS, AndroidWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Deathgarden2018-2019PS4, XOne, PCBehaviour Interactive
Game of Thrones: Beyond the Wall 2020 iOS, Android Behaviour Interactive
Hooked on You: A Dead by Daylight Dating Sim™ 2022 PC Behaviour Interactive
Meet Your Maker 2023 PC, PS4, PS5, XOne, Xbox Series X/S Behaviour Interactive
Silent Hill: Ascension[32] 2023 TBA Konami

Bethesda infringement lawsuit

On June 21, 2018, Bethesda Softworks sued Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Behaviour Interactive over Westworld, a mobile game based on the science fiction television series Westworld, alleging that the game is a "blatant rip-off" of Fallout Shelter, another mobile game, co-developed by Behaviour.

In a suit filed in a United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Bethesda alleges that Westworld "has the same or highly similar game design, art style, animations, features and other gameplay elements" as Fallout Shelter. Bethesda sued for copyright infringement, breach of contract and misappropriating trade secrets, seeking a jury trial and damages.[33] The lawsuit also alleged that Westworld identically reproduced some software bugs that were originally present in Fallout Shelter.[34] The lawsuit was settled in January 2019 on friendly terms.[35]

References

  1. "About". Behaviour Interactive. 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  2. "History". Behaviour Interactive. Archived from the original on 14 November 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Behaviour Interactif célèbre 25 ans de succès en jeu vidéo et inaugure ses nouvelles installations du Mile-Ex à Montréal". Cision. CNW Group. Sep 28, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  4. "Behaviour Interactif célèbre 25 ans de succès en jeu vidéo et inaugure ses nouvelles installations du Mile-Ex à Montréal". Cision. Sep 28, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Grant, Christopher (November 8, 2010). "Artificial Mind and Movement rebrands; (re)introducing Behaviour Interactive". Joystiq. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  6. A2M (November 20, 2008). "A2M Acquires Chilean Developer Wanako Games" (Press release). Bloomberg. Retrieved September 7, 2014.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. O'Kane, Josh (2022-04-25). "Montreal indie game studio Behaviour opens new Toronto office after decade-long turnaround". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  8. Artificial Mind & Movement (A2M) Rebrands as Behaviour Interactive - With New Focus, A Return to Previous Name for Canada's Largest Independent Game Developer
  9. Kerr, Chris (2016-08-25). "Dead By Daylight sales top 1 million after two months". Game Developer. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  10. "Le million pour Dead by Daylight". www.gamekult.com (in French). 2016-09-05. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  11. "Behaviour Interactif, la culture et la résilience". www.lesaffaires.com (in French). Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  12. "Starbreeze sells rights to Dead by Daylight to Behaviour for USD 16 million – Starbreeze". Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  13. McKenna, Alain (2022-01-22). "Une année pivot pour Behaviour Interactif en 2022". Le Devoir (in French). Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  14. O’Kane, Josh (2022-04-25). "Montreal indie game studio Behaviour opens new Toronto office after decade-long turnaround". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  15. Frico (2022-04-25). "Behaviour Interactive, opens first studio in Toronto". Behaviour Interactive. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  16. "Dead by Daylight developer acquires Midwinter Entertainment, the studio behind Scavengers". PC Invasion. 2022-05-18. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  17. "Meet Your Maker Launches April 4th, 2023 | Meet Your Maker". meetyourmakergame.com. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  18. "Five exciting game announcements from the Behaviour Beyond showcase". For The Win. 2022-08-03. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  19. Dealessandri, Marie (February 23, 2023). "Behaviour Interactive acquires SockMonkey Studios". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  20. Boulanger, Sandrine (2023-03-02). "Film adaptation of hit horror game Dead by Daylight". Behaviour Interactive. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  21. "Behaviour Interactive's $2-million gift to the Campaign for Concordia to spur innovation for Quebec's video game industry - Concordia University". www.concordia.ca. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  22. Editor-in-chief, James Batchelor (2023-07-12). "Behaviour Interactive forms new UK studio with former AntiMatter Games staff". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2023-07-18. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  23. "Behaviour acquires Codeglue to expand dev reach to the Netherlands". VentureBeat. August 22, 2023.
  24. McWhertor, Michael (2023-11-28). "Dead by Daylight hits 60 million players". Polygon. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
  25. "A Leading Independent Game Developer". Behaviour Interactive. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  26. "Business Solutions". Behaviour Interactive. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  27. Macgregor, Jody (May 27, 2019). "CEO of Dead by Daylight devs Behaviour Interactive explains why they abolished crunch". PC Gamer. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  28. 1 2 "What's the secret to becoming an award-winning employer?". www.hrreporter.com. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  29. "CEO Blog - Why I Abolished Crunch Time and Never Looked Back". Behaviour Interactive. 2019-05-21. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  30. "Meet the best places to work in Canada's games industry". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  31. "Starbreeze sells rights to Dead by Daylight to Behaviour for USD 16 million – Starbreeze". Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  32. SILENT HILL Transmission (FR) | KONAMI, retrieved 2022-10-19
  33. "Bethesda sues Warner Bros, calls its Westworld game 'blatant rip-off' of Fallout Shelter". Polygon. Retrieved 2018-06-23.
  34. "Bethesda sues Warner for ripping off Fallout Shelter in its Westworld game". PC Gamer. 22 June 2018.
  35. "Bethesda lawsuit alleging Westworld game was Fallout Shelter 'ripoff' resolved". Polygon. 3 January 2019. Retrieved 2020-03-30.
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