Amusement Cyanide to open Montreal studio

Amusement Cyanide has announced the opening of a Montreal studio to launch its expansion into the North American market.

Cyanide, a French developer, was responsible for titles such as Cycling Manager, Horse Racing Manager and Loki.

"Montreal is a logical choice," said Fabrice Granger, general manager of Cyanide's Montreal office. "We were seduced by its dynamic multimedia sector and business community, its highly qualified bilingual workforce and its closeness to the United States.

"Montreal is, in fact, the ideal location to launch an expansion into the North American market."

The company, which was targeted as a potential corporate immigrant by Montreal International, plans to hire approximately 65 people over the next three years.

Montreal is represented by more than 50 videogame companies, including Ubisoft, EA, and A2M, with about 5,000 employees. According to Montreal International, a public-private sector partnership created in 2000, the city boasts the videogame industry's highest growth rate in the world.

"The arrival of Cyanide in Montreal unquestionably confirms Greater Montreal's leadership in the strategic multimedia and interactive entertainment sector," said Pierre Brunet, chairman of Montreal International's board of directors.