Jason Blundell Launches New Studio Magic Fractal

Jason Blundell, the former creative lead for the Call of Duty: Black Ops series at Activision Blizzard, has announced the formation of a new development studio called Magic Fractal Studios. The announcement was made during a livestream on March 31, 2026.

Blundell is launching the venture alongside JC Farmer, a YouTuber known as JCbackfire and a former colleague from Blundell’s previous studio. The timing of the announcement comes approximately one week after Sony closed Blundell’s most recent studio, Dark Outlaw Games.

A Pattern of Studio Closures

Magic Fractal Studios represents Blundell’s third attempt at leading a development studio since he departed Activision Blizzard in 2020. His first venture, Deviation Games, closed in 2024 while reportedly working on a title for the PlayStation platform.

Following the closure of Deviation Games, Blundell formed Dark Outlaw Games in March 2025 with financial backing from Sony. At the time of its closure in late March 2026, Dark Outlaw Games employed 50 staff members who were working on a new AAA intellectual property.

Blundell has specified that Dark Outlaw Games was not developing a live-service title. This detail is notable as several other high-profile studio closures have been linked to the failure or cancellation of live-service projects.

In October 2024, Sony shut down Firewalk Studios shortly after the launch of the live-service shooter Concord. More recently, in February 2026, Sony closed Bluepoint Games following reports that a live-service game based on the God of War series had been cancelled.

Resilience in AAA Development

Despite the closure of two previous studios, Blundell has maintained a commitment to continuing his work in game development. During the announcement stream, he addressed his history of studio closures.

Third time’s the charm. And if not, it’s the fourth time.

Jason Blundell

JCbackfire, who has collaborated with Blundell since the age of 19, echoed this sentiment regarding the new studio’s objectives.

We definitely are going to try our best to make a damn video game. Whatever it takes.

JCbackfire

Current Status of Magic Fractal Studios

As of early April 2026, very little information has been released regarding the specific goals or projects of Magic Fractal Studios. While the studio has established social media accounts and a website, both remain empty of content beyond the studio logo.

Neither Blundell nor JCbackfire provided details during the livestream about whether the new studio will utilize ideas from the mystery project previously developed at Dark Outlaw Games. JCbackfire stated that he is being careful about the information he shares at this stage.