Rockstar Games, makers of videogame Max Payne 3, will close its 35-person Vancouver office over the next six months and expand in Toronto, the company has announced.
Rockstar is a publishing label of New York-based Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
The company said the Toronto studio expansion is "being supported by the Ontario government," but did not disclose financial details of the transaction.
The company said it is offering all its Vancouver-based employees jobs in Toronto or positions at other Rockstar studios.
"We believe a single Canadian team will make for a powerful creative force on future projects," said Jennifer Kolbe, vice-president of publishing and operations for Rockstar Games, in a press release.
She added that the company plans to add more than 50 new positions to Rockstar's combined Canadian team.
Brad Duguid, Ontario minister of economic development and innovation, welcomed the move.
"Rockstar Games' decision to expand its Toronto studio demonstrates the confidence in Ontario's leading-edge digital gaming industry," he said. "By providing financial support and tax incentives to help companies grow, we maximize Ontario's competitiveness in the global economy and support job creation."
Besides the recently released Max Payne 3, Rockstar titles include The Warriors and the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar Vancouver has worked on Bully and Max Payne 3.
See next week's issue of Business in Vancouver for more on how provincial government incentives are helping Ontario poach B.C. businesses.
