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Forza Horizon developer Playground Games is expanding to create new games outside of the racing genre. In the works at the moment is an open-world action/RPG title, which the studio is actively recruiting for. To do this, more space is needed and it looks like that Playground has found it.
The studio will be remaining local to Leamington Spa as it has secured a whole building just outside of Leamington Spa’s town centre. St Albans House boasts 17,365 square feet of space. The building itself will be completely refurbished with the studio initially moving into just the ground and first floors, with the aim to occupy the second floor by the end of 2018.
“We are delighted to have secured St Albans House which comes at an exciting time in our growth," said Playground Games CEO, Gavin Raeburn in a statement. "The building fits our needs and compliments our existing office at Rossmore House also in Leamington Spa”
“This is a great acquisition for Playground Games and we worked hard on their behalf to secure this building," added Tom Bromwich of Bromwich Hardy who brokered the deal. "This is further evidence of Leamington Spa performing well and being an ideal location for the gaming industry."
Playground Games currently has a large office based at Rossmore House, on the opposite side of the town centre. But the building is a conversion from old Victorian regency villas and it would be a struggle to expand further at that location.
The Forza Horizon developer has already made it clear that they are looking to expand beyond racing games and are currently hiring for multiple roles in helping the development of its new unannounced IP. While a follow-up to the incredibly successful Forza Horizon 3 hasn’t been announced yet, it is expected to be announced in 2018.
