New Game Studio, PurpleDrop, Launches At GDC

With initial funding from Madras, India-based PentaMedia Graphics, Ltd. and founded by Ashok Desai, a 14-year veteran of SGI, the company plans to work on PSX and PS2 titles and provide a wide array of contract services, including R&D, 2D/3D animation, CGI and sound effects for film and gaming companies. The company said it will provide additional information about project plans "at a later date." Joining PurpleDrop at the vice president level are Robert (Bob) Gayman, Interactive Entertainment (formerly of Acclaim Entertainment), Tom Kennedy, Creative Services (formerly of Industrial Light + Magic) and Carey Schroeder, Strategic Alliances (Raging Bull Capital and Silicon Graphics, Inc.). The company is led by chairman Dr. V. Chandrasekaran, the founder of the Penta group of companies.