Chinese mobile publisher Skymoons opens Scottish development studio

Chinese mobile games publisher Skymoons has opened a new studio in Scotland, lead by Michael Boniface. The new development team will be based in Edinburgh, and will be developing an online mobile game.

The studio is thought to be the first time a Chinese company has invested in Scotland’s games industry, and was opened with the assistance of Scottish Development International.

Boniface is best known as the former managing director of Reloaded Production, developers of APB Reloaded. "The establishment of Skymoons’ new studio in Scotland is a game changer, and exciting opportunity for those who make up the strong resource of locally-based talent," said Boniface in a statement. "I am very pleased to be representing Skymoons in this venture and will be recruiting new staff shortly, aiming for all 21 jobs to be filled by the end of June."

China have been getting involved in the UK games industry in a substantial way in recent years, with Outfit7 acquired by a Chinese chemical firm last week, and UK games outfits Jagex and Splash Damage both acquired by Chinese companies in July last year.