Nuclear Throne developer Vlambeer returns, now solely owned by co-founder Jan Willem Nijman

Jeremy Smith

Apr-07-2024

Nuclear Throne developer Vlambeer returns, now solely owned by co-founder Jan Willem Nijman

After a brief hiatus in 2020, the much-admired game development studio Vlambeer is making a spirited comeback. This time, it's Jan Willem Nijman leading the charge as the new sole owner of the studio. Nijman, one of the original co-founders, is fully prepared to breathe new life into Vlambeer by releasing fresh games and maintaining the classic ones that won hearts worldwide.
This revival includes the completion and launch of "Ultrabugs," a project Vlambeer had started before it initially ceased operations. Nijman has ambitious plans for this game, but only after he wraps up a mystery project that's currently in the works. He's passionate about ensuring that the older, beloved games by Vlambeer remain functional and enjoyable for future generations. Nijman expressed a strong sentiment against the common fate of games being forgotten over time, emphasizing the importance of their preservation.
Jan Willem Nijman has remained active in the indie game scene, collaborating with different developers on projects like "Disc Room" and "Minit." Both games have been reminiscent of Vlambeer's distinctive style, particularly "Disc Room," which easily could have been a Vlambeer title due to its design and execution. These titles, however, were released under the individual names of their creators rather than under the Vlambeer brand.
Rami Ismail, who co-founded Vlambeer alongside Nijman, shared his thoughts on the transition. He believes that the essence of Vlambeer would be best maintained under single ownership and has passed the torch to Nijman after thoughtful consideration. Ismail feels that Nijman's current work aligns seamlessly with Vlambeer's original ethos and that the streamlined decision-making process will benefit the studio's future.
The decision comes with Ismail's acknowledgment that his path in the gaming industry is diverging toward endeavors that might not fit the Vlambeer mold. Despite stepping away, he views this move as an opportunity for Vlambeer to either grow anew or continue its legacy in a state of rest under Nijman's guidance.
As fans of Vlambeer and indie games alike eagerly anticipate what's coming next, there's a palpable excitement around Nijman's plans. Vlambeer's ten-year history is filled with groundbreaking games, and this fresh start promises to add new milestones to that legacy.

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