Boost for Midlands as Kinect games company considers expansion
Rare Games, the business that developed the Kinect Xbox console could be planning to create 300 jobs in Birmingham.
The operation set up a Midlands base last year in Digbeth's Fazeley Studios that houses around 90 staff. However, property sources now say the company is searching for a further 40,000 and 50,000 sq ft of additional base in an 'iconic' city centre building. This would be enough to house between 300 and 400 staff.
Possible contenders for the new base, which would be in addition to Fazeley Studios, are Baskerville House on Broad Street and The Cube near the city's Mailbox development.
Rare's HQ is currently in Twycross, 30 miles from the city. Last year, when they announced the launch of Fazeley Studios, a statement revealed they were establishing a new model for games development which called on them to have a series of independent teams. "The new studio represents a move on Rare's part to change the current model of games development working practices," it said. "It will will enable us to attract staff from a large pool of talent.
"Rare believes that the current model of massive teams has lead to a boom and bust cycle in staffing terms and sees a film production model as a far better and more efficient way of creating triple A games going forward. The Fazeley studio will be home to some 90 staff working on new Rare games although number will fluctuate with the development cycle."
Founded in 1985 the company has sold 110m games.