New World Interactive, the award-winning developer of the multi-million selling Insurgency video game franchise, opened a new development studio “New World East” in Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

“With the recent acquisition by Embracer Group, New World Interactive is proud to announce that we are growing our Canadian footprint and opening our second Canadian studio in Montréal. Given Montréal’s exceptional game developer talent pool, we’re convinced recruiting a team here will bring more ambition and diversity to NWI’s creations,” Keith Warner, CEO New World Interactive.

The move comes in anticipation of sustained company growth after the acquisition by Embracer Group and the upcoming console launch of Insurgency: Sandstorm slated for early 2021. Insurgency is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter video game developed and published by New World Interactive.

According to company officials, New World East reported it will provide ongoing, post-release support for Insurgency: Sandstorm as well as provide crucial development support for an unannounced future title. In order to meet the company’s ambitions, up to 50 jobs will be created in the next two years.

“Montréal has an amazing gaming legacy, having launched dozens of studios, thousands of careers, and countless incredible games. I’m thrilled to announce our contribution to that heritage, with the creation of Embracer’s very first studio in Montréal,” said Matthew Karch, CEO Saber Interactive Inc., Embracer Group Board Member.

“Montréal is a global leader in video game production and we’re excited to welcome New World East to this ecosystem. With more than 200 studios and a world-renowned expertise in this sector, Montréal is the place to be for innovative video game companies,” Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO, Montréal International noted.

Greater Montréal is recognized as one of the five largest video game production centres in the world, company officials said. The metropolitan region can also count on more than 15,000 video game professionals.

“We are proud to welcome Keith Warner’s team and the opening of their second studio in Canada. In addition to reinforcing this highly strategic industry’s ecosystem and raising Montréal’s profile beyond our borders, the company’s announcement confirms that the appeal of locating and investing here is as strong as ever for top names in the video game industry. We are confident that New World’s successes in Québec are just beginning,” Hubert Bolduc, President of Investissement Québec International noted.