Gree closes Vancouver studio

Japanese gaming firm Gree International has shut down its studio in Vancouver, Canada, laying off all staff and discontinuing development on all of the team’s projects.

The studio’s closure follows a poor financial year for Gree. Andrew Sheppard, the firm’s Western COO, added that the company’s resources are stretched too thin to create titles that will compete with hits like Clash of Clans, according to Gamasutra.

“After evaluating market conditions, we have decided to focus our talent on building new gameplay within our biggest franchise and on elevating our commitment to service excellence,” the firm said in a statement. “We are also preparing to invest in a new generation of mobile hits.”

Gree Vancouver studio head Steve Lin has encouraged local developers to hire his former staff, and the company claims it is “committed to supporting the members of our talented team in their search for their next opportunity”.

Anyone able to help or hire former Gree Vancouver staff should get in touch with Lin via Twitter, or email GreeHR@gree.net.

You can keep up-to-date with the latest vacancies by signing up to our Develop Jobs Weekly newsletter.