Gameplay Group International is setting out to revive canceled or abandoned games and ship them with polish, beginning with a slate that includes Them’s Fightin’ Herds, Diesel Legacy, and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. The studio has secured rights previously held by Maximum Entertainment for multiple titles and is positioning itself as both developer and publisher for projects it brings back to life.
Who is GGI
Gameplay Group International was co-founded by Victor Lugo, a former lead designer at Iron Galaxy on Killer Instinct, and Philip Mayes, former managing director at Mighty Kingdom. The team describes its model as acquiring commercially unrealized games, refining them, and releasing quality experiences for players who would otherwise miss them. Early efforts are centered on competitive and online action, with a clear emphasis on fighting games out of the gate.
What they are reviving
Community posts and reporting tie GGI to ongoing work on Them’s Fightin’ Herds and Diesel Legacy, with rights secured from Maximum Entertainment to move these projects forward. Several original Mane6 developers are said to be involved at GGI, which could help preserve the feel and fundamentals of Them’s Fightin’ Herds. The highest profile comeback is Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, which re-emerged with pre-alpha footage and a plan to ship with a single-player campaign.
| Game | Status | GGI role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Them’s Fightin’ Herds | Active – revival stewarded by GGI | Publisher – rights secured from Maximum | Some original Mane6 devs involved |
| Diesel Legacy | Active – revival underway | Publisher – rights secured from Maximum | Focus on online competitive play |
| Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game | Back in development – target summer 2026 | Developer-publisher at GGI | Pre-alpha footage shows traditional 1v1 combat and a campaign mode |
Why this matters
- It gives promising projects a second shot at finding an audience rather than disappearing after business setbacks.
- Players interested in niche fighters and online co-op experiences could see more variety arrive sooner, built on foundations that already had traction.
- Original creators may get to see their vision realized when a new steward carries a project across the finish line.
Real risks to watch
- Reviving incomplete or abandoned games is inherently risky – roadmaps can be slippery and expectations are high.
- Outcomes hinge on how much of the original team and design DNA carry over, though TFH appears to retain some core developers through GGI.
- Community sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with some calling the strategy intriguing but high risk given the state of inherited projects.
Timeline – what’s next
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is slated for summer 2026 and has shown early pre-alpha gameplay, including special moves and a story-driven campaign with original content. Alongside that project, GGI is positioned as publisher for Them’s Fightin’ Herds and Diesel Legacy, signaling an active pipeline rather than a one-off revival. Expect more details as each title approaches public playtests and milestone beats tied to the updated production plans.
FAQs
What is Gameplay Group International? GGI is a studio focused on acquiring and finishing commercially unrealized games, aiming to ship polished versions of projects that were canceled or abandoned.
Who founded GGI? The studio was co-founded by Victor Lugo, previously a lead designer at Iron Galaxy on Killer Instinct, and Philip Mayes, former managing director at Mighty Kingdom.
Which games are confirmed under GGI? Them’s Fightin’ Herds and Diesel Legacy are tied to GGI through secured rights, and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is back in development under the studio.
When is Avatar Legends expected to launch? The current target is summer 2026, with pre-alpha footage already shared.
Are original TFH developers involved? Community posts indicate several original Mane6 developers are part of the new organization, offering continuity for TFH.
What genres will GGI focus on first? The initial slate centers on competitive action and fighting games, with Avatar Legends leading the charge.
Conclusion
GGI is carving out a clear role in game preservation and delivery by taking on unfinished projects and guiding them to launch, starting with fighters that already have recognizable communities. If the team can balance ambition with execution, these revivals could turn lost opportunities into playable wins for both developers and players.
