- The Three Thousands is a Melbourne-based startup
- Its first game is scheduled for a 2025 release
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New developer The Three Thousands is a Melbourne-based startup looking to make video games that merge racing, motorsports, and pop culture.
The company was founded by three industry veterans with decades of experience and over 750 million downloads to their names, including in the Real Racing and Need for Speed franchises.
The firm’s first game is scheduled for 2025 and is believed to be a mobile-first title with the potential to scale across platforms in the future.
Australian attraction
The Three Thousands was founded by CEO Joseph Donoghue, CPO Nikhil Kurian, and CCO Benjamin Dawe, each with over ten years’ experience in the games industry.
The trio have all worked at EA, Donoghue being EA Australia’s former general manager, involved in launching global products and driving major game titles.
“Our goal with The Three Thousands is to become the ultimate digital automotive brand, blending racing, culture, and entertainment in a way no one has done before,” he said.
“We’ve assembled a core team that are truly best in class at what they do to help deliver against the vision and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Meanwhile, Kurian was EA Melbourne’s former racing GM, and Dawe was the studio creative director. Dawe more recently worked as head of creative at Roadshow Films.
“Now is the perfect moment to launch The Three Thousands studio. With government incentives making Australia an attractive, cost-effective location, we’re positioned to build world-class products on efficient budgets,” said Kurian.
Dawe added: “As major franchises reach maturity, there’s an open lane for innovation in both the technology we use and how we build IP. We’re stepping into that space, aiming to create next-gen experiences that challenge what’s possible in gaming and entertainment.”
Partnerships and further game announcements from the firm are expected to follow in the coming months.