The company that brought you Tomb Raider, Hitman, and Deus Ex, Eidos has set their sights on North-est America, announcing a plan to create a brand new development studio in Montreal, Qu bec. The new studio's focus will be working on 'undisclosed next-generation projects.' Definitely good news for Canadians with game development aspirations, as the company plans to create 350 job positions over the course of three years. St phane D'Astous has been recruited to head up Eidos Montr al.

""I'm really delighted to be joining Eidos who deserve their worldwide recognition for some fantastic games. I look forward to establishing a brand new studio that will continue this legacy and develop AAA, next-generation titles that will demonstrate once again the expertise and knowledge we have in Montreal."

I'm the first one to agree that the world needs more AAA titles, if anything to foster respect for roadside service and towing in America's youth. Michael Fahey

Eidos announces new studio in Montreal

UK's top publisher to create 350 positions within three years

MONTREAL, Feb. 15 /CNW/ - Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today announced an initiative to create a new development studio in Montreal, Qu bec to work on new undisclosed next-generation projects.

"This is a really exciting time for Eidos, we are actively looking for opportunities to further our drive to become a major force in global videogames publishing. Montreal is the ideal location to open a new studio because of its thriving game development community and favourable economics," said Bill Ennis, Commercial Director, Eidos.

"We are very happy to welcome Eidos, the largest video games publisher in the United Kingdom to Qu bec. Our talented workers, competitive operating costs and the support of our government have enabled Qu bec to become the sector leader in Canada and attract industry's major players, like Eidos," said Raymond Bachand, the Qu bec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

Eidos has recruited St phane D'Astous as General Manager of Eidos Montr al. D'Astous will be responsible for setting up the new studio and recruiting the development team.

"I'm really delighted to be joining Eidos who deserve their worldwide recognition for some fantastic games. I look forward to establishing a brand new studio that will continue this legacy and develop AAA, next-generation titles that will demonstrate once again the expertise and knowledge we have in Montreal," said St phane D'Astous, General Manager, Eidos Montr al.

In the past year, Eidos has established two new studios in Eidos Sweden and Eidos Studios Hungary - who have just completed the development of Battlestations: Midway which is currently No.1 in the UK charts - to add to the internal studios; Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Pivotal Games and Beautiful Game Studios.

About Eidos Interactive Ltd
Eidos Interactive Ltd is part of SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG) one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software. Eidos consists of publishing operations across Europe and the US and several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Beautiful Game Studios, Eidos Studios Hungary, Eidos Sweden and Pivotal Games. The Group has a valuable combined portfolio of intellectual property including: Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex, Championship Manager, Carmageddon, the Conflict series and Just Cause.

Some of the titles currently in development include: Kane & Lynch: Dead Men, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Crossfire and Highlander.

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