Major player: Video game firm set to develop 1,000 jobs
AN INTERNATIONAL independent video game developer has announced plans to open a new Manchester base in 2022 – and create more than 1,000 jobs in the next five years.
Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) will open a new development studio in Enterprise City in May 2022, creating more than 700 jobs in the area by 2023.
Founded in 2012 by Chris Roberts, the company’s titles include Star Citizen whose voice cast includes Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Mark Strong and Gillian Anderson.
The company currently employs more than 700 people worldwide, with 400 employees based at its current UK studio headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
The Wilmslow team will relocate to the new headquarters at Enterprise City.
Cloud Imperium Games is headquartered in Los Angeles and has studios in Texas, Germany, Canada and the UK.
Chris Roberts, CEO of Cloud Imperium Games, said: “Manchester is where I started my video game career, when I was hired to write the Game of the Month for BBC Micro User, back in 1983 at the ripe age of 14, so it makes me very happy to announce that we have signed a long-term deal for our biggest office yet, in downtown Manchester.
“Manchester is one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Europe, with strong education links and high connectivity, offering outstanding opportunities and quality of life for our team.
“The new Enterprise City space is the perfect home for game development, with its deep investment in businesses focused on media, technology and creativity.
“Manchester joins Los Angeles, Austin and Frankfurt as home to Cloud Imperium’s team, working in partnership with our community of players on Star Citizen and Squadron 42.”
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “Greater Manchester is an ambitious tech hub and has become a magnet for digital talent, with a community of industry pioneers, specialist academics and creative minds.
“We look forward to welcoming Cloud Imperium Games to the cityregion in 2022 – in a move set to bring 1,000 jobs over the next five years, along with the opportunity for the region to play a new role in the future of gaming.”
Michael Ingall, CEO of Allied London, the property development company spearheading Enterprise City, said: “We specifically targeted Cloud Imperium as a model business that we can support and help grow at Enterprise City.
“We have a unique inventory that can excel media, creative and tech businesses, and we have worked with CIG to find a real estate solution that ensures they can create an environment that supports a business case move to Manchester.
“CIG is one the most creative tech businesses to land in Manchester and we will help its team create a ‘universe’ for its talented workforce.”
Allied London was advised by Shoosmiths, led by real estate partner Daniel Monaghan, and supported by senior associate Laura Green.