Kuju targets casual market with new US studio

Kuju has opened its first US studio in San Francisco, with initial plans to target the casual games sector.

Already working on its first title, Kuju America will be led by industry veteran John Kavanagh.

"I've known Kuju and the management team for many years and I really approve of their model of multiple autonomous studios. I'm looking forward to making Kuju America the next successful Kuju studio," he said.

A foothold in North America is Kuju's latest step in the revitalisation of the group. Last November Kuju established new outfit Double Six to focus on the digital downloads market.

The recently rebranded Chemistry studio now concentrates on Unreal Engine development, while the Zoe Mode studio specialises in social gaming.

"The US, and San Francisco in particular, is a natural choice for our first non-UK studio," added Jonathan Newth, corporate development officer at Kuju.

"It's a hotbed of development talent, home to many leading publishers and some of the leading US games press. We're delighted to have John on board, with his wealth of experience and contacts, to maximise the potential of the business in the area."