Chinese mobile publisher Skymoons opens Edinburgh studio
New developer will be led by former Reloaded MD Michael Boniface
Skymoons has opened a new studio in Scotland, thought to be the first time a Chinese company has invested in the nation's games industry.
The mobile games publisher is establishing a development team in Edinburgh that will develop an online multiplayer game, the BBC reports. The studio has been opened with the help of Scottish Development International.
Skymoons' Scottish branch will be headed up by Michael Boniface, former managing director of APB Reloaded dev Reloaded Productions. The studio will be hiring over the first half of this year.
"The establishment of Skymoons' new studio in Scotland is a game changer, and exciting opportunity for those who make up the strong resource of locally-based talent," said Boniface. "I am very pleased to be representing Skymoons in this venture and will be recruiting new staff shortly, aiming for all 21 jobs to be filled by the end of June."
The opening of Skymoons in Scotland is the latest example of Chinese firms investing in UK talent and businesses - albeit not always by the region's games companies. Jagex was acquired by Zhongji Holding, Splash Damage was sold to poultry firm Leyou, and last month Talking Tom dev Outfit7 was purchased by a Chinese chemical firm.