Relic Entertainment

Overview

Founded in Vancouver in 1997 by Alex Garden and Luke Moloney, Relic Entertainment quickly gained attention for cinematic real-time strategy that emphasized bold art direction and narrative continuity. Sierra Studios published Relic’s debut Homeworld and later partnered with the studio again for Homeworld 2 before Relic joined THQ.

Notable Releases

• Homeworld (1999) delivered true 3D fleet combat, fully voiced cutscenes, and a persistent campaign—earning critical acclaim and a devoted mod scene.
• Homeworld 2 (2003) refined the Kushan/Vaygr conflict with more accessible UI and large-scale graphics upgrades.

History

• 1997–1999: Relic develops Homeworld, pioneering fully 3D space RTS controls and persistent fleets.
• 2000–2002: While Barking Dog handles the standalone expansion, Relic builds new technology that becomes the Homeworld 2 engine.
• 2004 onward: Post-Homeworld 2, Relic shifts toward Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War and later Company of Heroes, ensuring the studio’s RTS legacy continues beyond Sierra.

Games

• Homeworld — 1999, Homeworld
• Homeworld 2 — 2003, Homeworld

Legacy

Relic’s Sierra-era work cemented the Homeworld IP as a prestige RTS line, prompting modern remasters and sequels long after the original publishing deal ended.