Developers whose previous credits include the and series' have joined forces to start Tyrant Studios, a new independent game maker.

The new start-up is in the process of chatting with publishers about their first project.

Halo and Halo 2 staffer Hardy LeBel is in charge of the new firm, having also cut his teeth on Jade Empire and Dungeon Siege 2 while employed by Game Studios.

Anders Hejdenberg is the main design man, who has crafted Battlefield: Modern Combat and Battlefield 2142 in the past.

"We're excited to announce the formation of Tyrant and share our vision for the future of game development," beamed LeBel.

"Our first project is the result of months of preproduction and planning - and with our collected experience, we believe we'll change the way games are made."

Tryant's debut title is codenamed "ESP", and Hejdenberg enthuses: "We've managed to create a concept that we believe will become a trendsetter - not only in games, but in mainstream media culture as well."

By Luke Guttridge