By Ryan in News • Published on November 12th, 2024
Fen Research, the game development company founded by Andrew Gower (𝕏), best known as the co-creator of RuneScape, is based at a location rich with historical and personal significance. The company, which is working on the upcoming game Brighter Shores, is headquartered at the St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge. This setting isn't just another office for Gower—it's a nostalgic nod to the beginnings of Jagex, the original company behind RuneScape, which he established in the early 2000s.
Jagex, now a globally recognized name in online gaming, originated in the same St John's Innovation Centre before expanding into larger facilities. For Gower, launching Fen Research here brings a fitting sense of history and continuity, anchoring his new creative project in a place tied to his original success in the gaming industry. The decision to base his latest venture in the same building might be interpreted as a symbolic return to his roots in the world of game development.
Notably, Fen Research's office location is just a stone's throw away from the current Jagex headquarters at Cambridge Science Park, less than a five-minute drive down the road. The two companies' close proximity highlights the enduring connection between Gower's past accomplishments and his future ambitions. Fen Research's address at St John's Innovation Centre, Cowley Rd, Milton, Cambridge, sits just over a mile from Jagex's office on Milton Rd, a reminder of the evolving landscape of Cambridge's tech and gaming scene.
On Reddit, a user named /u/tdorrington shared a local's perspective on this interesting twist, noting, "I'm from Cambridge area, and from the map it looks like Fen Research is based in the office that Jagex had their first office in (St John's Innovation Center). I used to work in the building next door!" This observation adds a personal layer to the historical significance of Fen Research's chosen location, underscoring the long-standing community of developers and tech innovators in Cambridge.
With Brighter Shores, Andrew Gower and his team are working to create new gaming experiences that once again aim to leave an indelible mark on the industry. While there's no telling if Brighter Shores will reach the massive success of RuneScape, the choice of office speaks volumes about Gower's respect for his own journey and for Cambridge's role in shaping his career. At St John's Innovation Centre, Fen Research is not only crafting new worlds for players but also honoring a legacy that has come full circle.
Embark on a shared journey through the magical realms of Brighter Shores with our fansite, a community hub where adventurers gather to exchange secrets, strategies, and stories from the award-winning MMORPG designed by Andrew Gower, offering a world of enchantment, mystery, and endless exploration at your fingertips.
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