Artisan Studios to open new studio in Saudi Arabia
Developer plans to employ over 200 people in Riyadh
Artisan Studios is setting up a development studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Canadian-based company plans to employ over 200 developers in its new offices, collaborating with local artists across the MENA region to develop new IPs.
The developer will expand into publishing its titles, in addition to developing what it says will be "the first AAA titles in the GCC region."
"Riyadh has one of the most dynamic and exciting independent game development communities," said Mario Rizzo, Artisan Studios co-founder and CEO. "After spending two years exploring the region, we knew it would be the best place to build a new studio."
Artisan Studios is known for titles such as Super Neptunia RPG and Astria Ascending. It is also the first company to participate in Saudi Arabia's Ignite program.
Launched by the country's Digital Content Council last year, the initiative saw an investment of $1.1 billion to support digital content, including the games industry.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund said it was looking to invest $38 billion into Riyadh's local games industry via its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group.
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