High Voltage Software (HVS) is an independent video game developer founded on April 23, 1993, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. While initially known for developing licensed games like LEGO Racers and various Cartoon Network titles, the studio gained prominence in the late 2000s for creating their original IP, The Conduit series.
Studio History[]
Founded by Kerry J. Ganofsky, HVS started with just four employees working at makeshift desks made from doors set on sawhorses. The company grew steadily, reaching 160 employees by 2006. In 2020, HVS was acquired by Keywords Studios in a deal worth up to $50 million.
The Conduit Series[]
Development Philosophy[]
In 2008, HVS began focusing on raising the bar for third-party Wii development. The studio developed Quantum3, a proprietary game engine specifically optimized for the Wii hardware, which would power their upcoming original IP.
The Conduit (2009)[]
The Conduit represented HVS's ambitious entry into original IP development. The game was designed to showcase what the Wii could achieve graphically while delivering a serious first-person shooter experience on a platform typically associated with casual games. The game featured:
- Advanced graphical effects unprecedented on the Wii
- Full motion control implementation
- Multiplayer support for up to 12 players
- Conspiracy-driven narrative set in Washington D.C.
Conduit 2 (2011)[]
The sequel expanded on the original's foundation with:
- Enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics
- Expanded multiplayer options
- New campaign locations beyond Washington D.C.
- Additional weapon varieties and combat options
Technical Innovation[]
HVS's Quantum3 engine, developed specifically for their Wii projects, demonstrated the studio's technical expertise. The engine pushed the Wii hardware to its limits, featuring:
- Advanced lighting effects
- Dynamic shadow systems
- Real-time reflection and refraction
- Advanced particle systems
- Sophisticated AI pathfinding
Legacy[]
The Conduit series established HVS as a technically proficient developer capable of pushing console hardware to its limits. While the studio has since worked on various projects across multiple platforms, The Conduit remains one of their most ambitious and technically impressive achievements, particularly for the Wii platform.