It’s worth noting that Campo Santo makes no mention of a buyout or acquisition by Valve, however. The team says that it simply “agreed to join Valve.” Within Valve, the team will continue work on its current project, In the Valley of Gods.
In Campo Santo’s official announcement of the move, the team goes into detail regarding several reasons for the decision – some more serious than others. Much of the explanation revolves around Campo Santo feeling like Valve would enable the studio to grow and prosper:
Campo Santo is currently situated in San Francisco but will be relocating up to Valve’s headquarters near Seattle, Washington. The team doesn’t expect being absorbed by Valve to impact its current projects or community outreach.
The entire post from Campo Santo is understandably vague with regards to specifics, such as any financial or structural details related to joining Valve, but much can be implied. While Campo Santo makes clear that it absolutely loves the work it is doing and what it has created so far, there are also several hints towards the team’s limitations. Valve, it can be assumed, will allow the Campo Santo team to keep doing what they love without the fears and struggles of a small studio.
“We really like making video games” is the very first reason that Camp Santo provides for joining Valve. And while we may not know whether or not Campo Santo was ever at risk of not being able to do that anymore, it’s safe to say it shouldn’t be a worry anymore. Valve may even help the Campo Santo team turn In the Valley of Gods into something even more special than it was before. And may Campo Santo will help Valve make its next game even better, too.
In the Valley of Gods is set for release in 2019 for both PC and console platforms, but is now officially being made by Valve.
