# Relic Entertainment <small style="color: gray">Last updated: January 28, 2026</small> ## 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* (1999), a groundbreaking 3D space RTS that earned critical acclaim and established the studio's reputation for innovation. Sierra partnered with Relic again for *Homeworld 2* (2003) before the studio was acquired by THQ in 2004. After THQ's bankruptcy in 2013, SEGA acquired Relic Entertainment. The studio continued developing acclaimed strategy games including the *Company of Heroes* and *Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War* franchises, as well as collaborating on *Age of Empires IV* with Xbox Game Studios. ## History ### Sierra Era (1997-2004) - **1997:** Founded by Alex Garden, Luke Moloney, and Erin Daly in Vancouver. - **1999:** Released *Homeworld* through Sierra, pioneering fully 3D space RTS with persistent fleets and cinematic storytelling. - **2003:** Released *Homeworld 2* through Sierra/Vivendi, featuring refined UI and large-scale graphics upgrades. - **2004:** Acquired by THQ; begins work on Warhammer 40,000 license. ### Post-Sierra (2004-Present) After leaving Sierra's publishing umbrella, Relic became one of the premier RTS developers in the industry, creating multiple critically acclaimed franchises for THQ (2004-2013) and later SEGA (2013-2024). In March 2024, SEGA sold Relic and the studio went fully independent, announcing plans to focus on smaller experimental projects and explore remasters of classic titles. The studio released the well-received *Dawn of War Definitive Edition* in August 2025. ## Games ### In This Archive (Sierra Era) | Year | Game | Genre | |------|------|-------| | 1999 | [[1999 - Homeworld\|Homeworld]] | Real-Time Strategy | | 2003 | [[2003 - Homeworld 2\|Homeworld 2]] | Real-Time Strategy | ### Other Notable Games (Post-Sierra) - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War — 2004 (THQ, acclaimed RTS with squad-based combat) - Company of Heroes — 2006 (THQ, WWII tactical RTS, multiple GOTY awards) - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II — 2009 (THQ) - Company of Heroes 2 — 2013 (SEGA) - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III — 2017 (SEGA) - Age of Empires IV — 2021 (Xbox Game Studios, collaboration with World's Edge) - Company of Heroes 3 — 2023 (SEGA) - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition — 2025 (Independent, 150K copies in 24 hours) ## Legacy Relic's Sierra-era work cemented *Homeworld* as a prestige RTS franchise that influenced countless space strategy games. The IP's strength led to Gearbox acquiring the rights and releasing *Homeworld Remastered Collection* (2015), while Blackbird Interactive (founded by ex-Relic staff) continued the series with *Deserts of Kharak* (2016) and *Homeworld 3* (2024). Relic's innovations in 3D strategic gameplay and cinematic presentation during the Sierra era established foundations they would build upon with Company of Heroes and Dawn of War.