# Studio Gigante

> video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q7628183](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7628183)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/studio-gigante

## Summary
Studio Gigante was a short-lived American video game developer founded in 2000 by John Tobias, known solely for creating the fighting game "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus" before dissolving in 2005.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2000 by John Tobias in Chicago, United States.
- Dissolved in 2005.
- Operated within the video game industry.
- Headquartered in Chicago.
- Notable work: "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus".
- VIAF ID: 1458149489083793810008 (as of 2015-08-09).
- Video Game Geek Company ID: 13330 (as of 2022-03-19).
- Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 151063814 (as of 2015-08-26).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Studio Gigante active?
A: Studio Gigante was founded in 2000 and dissolved in 2005, operating for approximately five years.

### Q: Who founded Studio Gigante?
A: Studio Gigante was founded by John Tobias, who was previously known as a co-creator of Mortal Kombat.

### Q: What game did Studio Gigante develop?
A: Studio Gigante developed and released the fighting game "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus" for the original Xbox.

### Q: Why did Studio Gigante dissolve?
A: The provided source material does not specify the reason for Studio Gigante's dissolution in 2005.

## Why It Matters
Despite its brief existence and single released title, Studio Gigante holds significance due to its founder, John Tobias, whose prior work on Mortal Kombat established him as a key figure in fighting game history. "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus," while critically mixed, is remembered for its ambitious physics-based combat system for its time. The studio's short lifespan highlights the volatility of the early 2000s video game industry, particularly for independent developers attempting to launch original IPs on new consoles like the Xbox. Its limited output serves as a case study in the challenges faced by small studios aiming to innovate within a competitive market.

## Notable For
- Founded by John Tobias, a principal co-creator of the highly influential Mortal Kombat franchise.
- Developed the exclusive Xbox fighting game "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus".
- Noted for its extremely short operational lifespan (2000-2005).
- Operated as an independent developer with headquarters in Chicago, United States.
- Recognized solely for a single commercially released video game title.

## Body
### History and Founding
- Established in 2000 by John Tobias in Chicago, United States.
- Tobias founded the company following his departure from Midway Games, where he co-created Mortal Kombat.
- Incorporated as a video game developer, classified within the video game industry.

### Operations and Notable Work
- Primary focus was the development of video games for home consoles.
- Developed and released the fighting game "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus".
- "Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus" was released exclusively for the original Xbox console.
- Known for attempting innovative physics-based combat mechanics in its sole title.

### Dissolution
- Ceased operations and dissolved in 2005.
- The company existed for approximately five years (2000-2005).

### Identifiers
- VIAF ID: 1458149489083793810008 (source cataloged August 9, 2015).
- Video Game Geek Company ID: 13330 (source cataloged March 19, 2022).
- Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 151063814 (source catalogued August 26, 2015).
- Freebase ID: /m/09w2rf.
- Official Website (archived): http://www.studiogigante.com/

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. VideoGameGeek