Rockstar is closing its Vancouver – Max Payne 3 – studio, expands its Toronto studio


Rockstar Games today announced that it is expanding its development capabilities in Toronto, and has opened a larger, new, custom-built facility in Oakville, Ontario for the Rockstar Toronto team. The studio expansion is being supported by the Ontario government. Financial details were not disclosed. In conjunction with the expansion, Rockstar Games is moving its 35-person Vancouver-based development team to the new facility over the next six months, and is offering all members of that team the opportunity to join Rockstar Toronto or take positions in other Rockstar studios.
Rockstar Toronto has worked on several critically acclaimed Rockstar Games titles, including the recently released Max Payne 3, as well as The Warriors and the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar Vancouver has worked on Bully and Max Payne 3.
Jennifer Kolbe, Vice President of Publishing and Operations for Rockstar Games said:
“Expanding Rockstar Toronto and bringing our Canadian development talent together under one roof underscores our commitment to building world-class teams that can make the kind of groundbreaking entertainment experiences Rockstar Games is known for. We believe a single Canadian team will make for a powerful creative force on future projects. We plan to add more than 50 new positions to our combined Canadian team, and are pleased to be entering into this strategic partnership with the Ontario government.”
Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation added:
“Rockstar Games’ decision to expand its Toronto studio demonstrates the confidence in Ontario’s leading-edge digital gaming industry. By providing financial support and tax incentives to help companies grow, we maximize Ontario’s competitiveness in the global economy and support job creation.”