Square Enix has revealed that they plan to create a new studio in Montreal, Canada, along with further expanding Deus Ex: Human Revolution developer Eidos Montreal.
Called Square Enix Montreal, the new studio will open next year and will begin work on a new, unannounced game in the Hitman franchise. Lee Singleton, general manager of Square Enix London Studios will lead the studio, which is set to create 150 new jobs.
While no details were revealed about the new Hitman game, it is possible that that the title will be for the next generation, when you consider the average game takes 2-3 years to develop. If you can’t wait that long to play a new Hitman, IO Interactive is currently working on Hitman Absolution, which will release next year.
Square Enix also announced plans to create an extra 100 new jobs at Eidos Montreal studio as well, with the developer now also working on an unannounced third game, along with more Deus Ex and Thief.
Yoichi Wada, president and chief executive officer at Square Enix, said:
Montreal is a vibrant centre of game creators with industry-leading talent, and one of the most important bases of our global network of game development within the Square Enix Group.
Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe, added:
We believe in creating studios where passion for our games and gaming runs throughout and Eidos Montreal is testament to this vision.
The start up of a second studio brings a huge advantage to our business; we will nurture two separate studios with their own strengths, culture and appeal.
Due to tax breaks, publishers have flocked to Canada to keep development budgets low, while having more money to spend on making the game.
