2K, a world leader in interactive entertainment, sets up in Montréal
Publisher’s new Cloud Chamber studio to develop next iteration in the acclaimed BioShock franchise
Montréal International and Investissement Québec announce that global video game developer and publisher 2K is opening a new a game development studio in Montréal, which marks the first-ever Canadian office for the American company. The studio, called Cloud Chamber, will see its Montréal team – along with colleagues at a second office in Novato, California – work on the next iteration of one of the video game industry’s most iconic franchises: BioShock, which will be in development over the next several years.
“We are incredibly inspired and excited by the opportunity to bring BioShock back to its passionate global audience, as well as be the first 2K studio with a presence in Canada,” said Ken Schachter, Studio Manager, Cloud Chamber Montréal. “We look forward to building a studio foundation that flourishes in the months and years to come – not only for the gaming industry but the incredible people of Montréal, Québec and Canada as well.”
“Montréal is proud to welcome the very first 2K studio in Canada. The creativity, know-how and innovation that characterize the metropolis continue to attract the best talents and stimulate our economy. As the country’s leading video game production centre, Montréal has been shining for many years thanks to the creative genius of its workers,” stated the Mayor of Montréal, Valérie Plante.
Montréal International, Greater Montréal’s economic promotion agency, supported 2K in every step of its investment project. “We are thrilled to welcome this major player in our successful, innovative and creative video games ecosystem,” said Stéphane Paquet, Vice President, Foreign Investments and International Organizations at Montréal International. “The video games industry in Québec generated a remarkable rise of 31% in the number of jobs in the last two years, thanks to our highly qualified pool of talent.”
Investissement Québec, which has the role of attracting new foreign investment to Québec and supporting international subsidiaries that locate here so they can continue to grow and invest, hailed 2K’s project. “Investissement Québec welcomes 2K’s decision to set up a game development studio in Québec. It confirms the stability and, most of all, the talent characterizing Québec’s video games sector. We’re proud to support 2K as it establishes itself in Montréal and contributes to local economic development,” stated Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.
Key facts on the Montréal video games sector:
- 1st production center in Canada
- In the top 5 largest hubs in the world
- 140 studios
- World-class universities and training programs that are focused on industry needs
- The most competitive operating costs among the 20 largest cities in Canada and the United States
Learn more about the video games industry in Montreal.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products through our labels Rockstar Games, 2K, and Private Division, as well as Social Point, a leading developer of mobile games. Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.
About 2K
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes global interactive entertainment for console and handheld gaming systems, personal computers and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 2K Silicon Valley and Cloud Chamber. 2K’s portfolio currently includes the renowned BioShock®, Borderlands™, Mafia and XCOM® franchises; NBA® 2K, the global phenomenon and highest rated annual sports title for the current console generation; the critically acclaimed Sid Meier’s Civilization® series; the popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, as well as emerging properties NBA® 2K Playgrounds 2, Carnival Games and more. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2k.com.
