Danger Close Profile

Welcome to Danger Close Games at the EA Los Angeles complex.

Medal of Honor Warfighter was created by Danger Close Games. This studio was created in 2010 to work on the new incarnation of Medal of Honor that was released that same year. However, Danger Close Games has quite a history that goes back almost two decades. Therefore, even though the studio has had a new name for just two years, it has existed in one form or another since 1995. That year the film studio DreamWorks SKG founded a video game development subsidiary known as DreamWorks Interactive LLC. While most of the games were based on movies and other DreamWorks franchises, in 1999, the studio created the first of a new series of games. Created for the Playstation, Medal of Honor was a first-person shooter that put players right into the middle of World War II. The game was such a success, that the following year the studio released Medal of Honor: Underground—also for the Playstation. The same year, 2000, Electronic Arts acquired the studio and brought it to their Los Angeles offices. In 2003, EA merged with Westwood Studios and EA Pacific to form the EA Los Angeles (EALA) development studios.

The Medal of Honor series is famous for its World War II games, putting players into historical battles and combat situations.

These awards for past Medal of Honor games speak for themselves.

Between 2002 and 2005, EA Los Angeles developed five new Medal of Honor titles for the Xbox, Playstation 2, and Game Cube, as well as for the PC. Then the studio revamped for the next-gen consoles, releasing Medal of Honor: Airborne in 2007 for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC. This game was unique to the series since it offered a third dimension to the battle, as players could parachute into missions at various locations rather than progressing linearly through each mission. As Electronic Arts decided to bring the Medal of Honor series from the historical battlefields of World War II to the modern combat of today’s war on terror, the move was made to create a studio for that sole purpose. As a result, Danger Close Games was born—or more appropriately reborn.

Visitors first enter the reception area at EA Los Angeles, which includes stylish architecture.

As you get off of the elevator at the Danger Close Games floor, you know right away on what this studio is focused.

Housed within the EA Los Angeles studio complex near Marina del Rey, Danger Close Games chose its name after the term used by the military for an artillery or air strike called in very close to friendly units. Units calling in danger close strikes usually have enemy close to them and risk friendly fire since the situation is so dangerous. This name reflects Danger Close Games’ commitment to games that are designed to be as authentic as possible as well as respectful to those serving their country. This is apparent to any visitor to the Danger Close Games studio.

The hallways of the studio are lines with concept art, which helps the designers really get into the project and maintain their focus on creating a great game.

Walking into the Danger Close Games studio is like entering another world. This is not just an ordinary office building, though it may appear like that from the outside. Instead, almost every square foot of the area is dedicated to the project. The halls are lined with artwork. Walls have charts and tables to help the designers visualize the organization of units and classes for the multiplayer elements. They even have large action figures to use as models for the various classes in the game. These serve as references for the artists so they can ensure that the game is as realistic as possible.

Large charts and tables on the walls help illustrate the organization of Medal of Honor Warfighter.

Reference models help ensure accuracy so that players feel like they are in the real fight-and experience what it might be like to be a Tier 1 Operator-as much as possible in a game.

Danger Close Games believes in immersing their team in the game. They are surrounded by art, objects, and other items that reflect the game. It is difficult to walk into the offices and work areas and not immediately get excited about Medal of Honor Warfighter. As you look around and see models of helicopters, weapons, and other items, you appreciate the level of detail of these objects within the game. Even the quality assurance team gets to know the models so they can ensure they are well represented in the final product.

The quality assurance team works diligently to find bugs in the game so you won't see them in the final product.

The flags hanging over the cubicles reflect the nature of the war on terror as exhibited within Medal of Honor Warfighter.

While the Medal of Honor Warfighter team works hard, they also have opportunities to take a break from the grindstone without having to stray too far from their work. The EA Los Angeles complex features kitchens, break areas, and even sports such as their outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts and soccer field. By allowing the team to get some physical recreation, they can come back and be ready to work with a refreshed mind and energized body.

Caffeine and energy drinks are close at hand to help fight through the fatigue.

When the team needs a bit more than liquid energy, they can retire to the kitchen and break room for more substantial sustenance.

Sometimes the team needs more than a sports video game. The outdoor sports area offers something for everyone.

Danger Close Games may be working on their second game as a studio, however their history goes back many years. As they work on Medal of Honor Warfighter, they continue a tradition of excellence as they tell the story of the men and women who serve our country and at times pay the ultimate price for our security, liberty, and freedom. To the team, this is more than just a game. It is a tribute to those who fight behind the scenes and when they succeed, no one ever knows.

The gaming world anticipates the release of the latest in the Medal of Honor family.

This lush courtyard gives the developers a chance to step outside and enjoy the year-round perfect weather.

The studio's lobby and reception area is a relaxing place for visitors to unwind or browse the adjoining employee store, filled with EA merchandise.

This studio lounge is another area where developers can relax and show-off their gaming prowess in the latest console release. Fighting games are always a big draw.

When the developers need a break, this game room offers plenty of welcome distractions including several arcade games, a pinball machine, as well as a foosball and pool table.