Rockstar moves Max Payne 3 development studio

by: John - posted: 7/10/2012 6:06:00 AM

Rockstar Vancouver, you guys just put out Max Payne 3 not too long ago. What's your reward? Why, they're shipping you guys to another location.

Some people are calling the Rockstar Vancouver a shut down and I guess it's like that, but all of the employees are being offered jobs at Rockstar Toronto. Toronto's being expanded and the 35 person team in Vancouver has the opportunity to work there.

They are consolidating the two teams and have built a new facility to handle the expansion. It'll take about six months to get it all settled out.

Even though everyone's being offered a job in Toronto, it must be tough for some to uproot their family and move. I know I would have a tough time doing it, but at least everyone on the Vancouver team's going to be offered a position in the expanding Toronto studio. And it sounds like Toronto would have a few more positions opened if all 35 take up residence there as well.

New, larger facility opened through partnership with Ontario government; Combines Vancouver studio and expects to grow staff over time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 9, 2012-- Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that it is expanding its development capabilities in Toronto, and has opened a larger, new, custom-built facility in Oakville, Ontario for the Rockstar Toronto team. The studio expansion is being supported by the Ontario government. Financial details were not disclosed. In conjunction with the expansion, Rockstar Games is moving its 35-person Vancouver-based development team to the new facility over the next six months, and is offering all members of that team the opportunity to join Rockstar Toronto or take positions in other Rockstar studios.

Rockstar Toronto has worked on several critically acclaimed Rockstar Games titles, including the recently released Max Payne 3, as well as The Warriors and the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar Vancouver has worked on Bully and Max Payne 3.

"Expanding Rockstar Toronto and bringing our Canadian development talent together under one roof underscores our commitment to building world-class teams that can make the kind of groundbreaking entertainment experiences Rockstar Games is known for," said Jennifer Kolbe, Vice President of Publishing and Operations for Rockstar Games. “We believe a single Canadian team will make for a powerful creative force on future projects. We plan to add more than 50 new positions to our combined Canadian team, and are pleased to be entering into this strategic partnership with the Ontario government."

"Rockstar Games' decision to expand its Toronto studio demonstrates the confidence in Ontario's leading-edge digital gaming industry. By providing financial support and tax incentives to help companies grow, we maximize Ontario's competitiveness in the global economy and support job creation," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation.