LEADING GAME DEVELOPER MOVES TO NEW LEAMINGTON PREMISES

One of the UK’s leading independent video game developers has relocated to bigger premises in Leamington Spa.

Sumo Digital, which also has studios in Sheffield, Nottingham, Brighton, Newcastle, Leeds, Warrington and India, has moved to Bishops House in Homer Close at Tachbrook Park which is owned by property development and investment company AC Lloyd.

The new premises are the expanding company’s first studio dedicated to mobile games development, an extension to the wide range of creative and technical services that Sumo Digital offers its high-profile, global publisher and development partners.

Under the leadership of experienced duo Chris Southall, Studio Director, and Harinder Sangha, Operations Director, Sumo Leamington has grown significantly since opening in early 2019.

The new office accommodation was secured by Warwickshirebased commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy.

Codemasters goes “Slightly Mad” buying fellow gaming studio

Video game developer and publisher Codemasters, based at Southam near Leamington Spa, has agreed subject to conditions, to acquire London-based Slightly Mad Studios, another leading racing video game developer, for more than £150 million.

Slightly Mad Studios, founded in 2009, develops commercially successful racing franchises and games including Project CARS and Need For SpeedTM Shift.

The purchase of Slightly Mad Studios diversifies Codemasters’ intellectual property portfolio, bringing three incremental game launches to the company during the year ending March 31, 2021.

Frank Sagnier, CEO of Codemasters, said: “Codemasters’ acquisition of SMS will create a global leader in the racing genre.”

Coventry security company builds links with Saudi training company

A Saudi Arabian business is set to benefit from the expertise of a world-leading security company based in Coventry.

Stadium recently signed a joint venture agreement with Saudi training company Bayt Alkhibrah to support the training of running large events safely and efficiently.

Stadium, which works with a string of Premier League clubs on security, safety and traffic management, will devise a bespoke training programme to teach its joint venture customers best practice.

Stadium’s founder David McAtamney, said: “Bayt Alkhibrah could have chosen companies closer to home to work with, but they’ve chosen us thanks to our great reputation in delivering international bespoke training programmes. Our tutors will help train our customers to not only keep crowds safe when working at events, but to make sure the visitor experience runs as smoothly as possible.

“While many countries rely on their police forces to operate security, their main priority is operating traffic management and policing.

“Poorly-planned traffic and crowd management can ruin fans’ experiences.

“Stadium’s methods ensure anyone attending large events, whether that’s a football match, a music concert or an outdoor market, have a great time as well as a safe time.