I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know very many Korean game developers that well. But I fully acknowledge that great games come from all corners of this world, not just the usual suspects like the US, UK or Japan. So I always like learning about new companies, and the one today is called Smilegate. I did some research, and found that the South Korean company has an eclectic roster of games, including stuff we don’t normally cover like FPS, as well as games with tanks and tactical warfare. Part of the reason Smilegate is opening a new Barcelona studio is for the production of a new AAA mystery game. I wish I could tell you more about this upcoming game, but it’s under wraps for now. But to educate yourself more about the company, just ready the press release below.
GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP SMILEGATE OPENS STUDIO IN BARCELONA FOR AAA GAME
Team of industry veterans to focus on console titles as Smilegate makes call for talent globally
BARCELONA, SPAIN and SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – July 9, 2020 – Smilegate is expanding the company’s global footprint into Europe with the opening of a new video game development studio focused on AAA games, Smilegate Barcelona. Based in the historic Spanish city-by-the-sea, the studio’s flagship project will be an open world console title. To bring the new game’s vision to life, Smilegate is looking for developers from around the world with console experience to help build and strengthen the studio.
Smilegate has nearly two decades of experience creating some of the most successful games for global markets. The company’s portfolio includes FPS CROSSFIRE, which boasts approximately 1 billion gamers in 80 countries worldwide and is soon to become a major motion picture with Sony Pictures, and the upcoming Xbox console release CrossfireX.
“As open-world games will continue to dominate the video game industry, we are well-positioned to build upon our team’s experience with talent from around the world, and are ready to create a AAA experience from our new studio in Barcelona,” said Yongil Kim, the CEO of Smilegate Barcelona, Smilegate. “Barcelona’s vibrant and lively youth culture set to the backdrop of gorgeous old world history is a powerful and inspiring combination. The city welcomes creativity and supports technology industries such as ours with a strong infrastructure and high quality of life.”
Smilegate chose Barcelona for the video game giant’s next studio due in large part to the city and surrounding area’s exploding tech industry and high quality of life. Long a preferred destination for tourists from around the world for its stunning beaches, vibrant architecture, one of Europe’s largest football stadiums and most entertaining teams, in recent years Barcelona has become a technology hub and a financial center in Europe. Smilegate Barcelona currently has more than 20 staff. Developers interested in joining the growing production teams can learn more about those opportunities by clicking here.
About Smilegate Holdings
Smilegate Holdings is a global entertainment group with a commitment to making a happier life and a brighter future for consumers around the world with a variety of content. Its objective is to develop timeless, classic games that can be enjoyed by any generation, and to continually expand its business. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Seoul, Smilegate has achieved a high growth rate of sales year over year. With roots in game development, Smilegate now also provides game publishing and investment business, and is expanding as a global company with regional offices in the US, China, Southeast Asia and Europe. A critical factor Smilegate’s success is first-person shooting game CROSSFIRE, which launched in 2007 and is currently played in more than 80 countries worldwide by approximately 1 billion gamers.
