Indian dev giant expands to UK

One of India’s largest games companies is expanding to the UK.

Gameshastra, best known as a QA service provider and developer, has opened a new facility in London, and hired former Player One boss Martin Ogden to run it.

The move comes as Gameshastra has made the transition from services firm to fully-fledged studio. In recent years it has boasted strong ties with Sony, which has looked to add region-relevent to its formats in India. As part of the partnership Gameshastra has made games PS3, PSP and PS3 games for the Indian market – it was also one of the first to be introduced to the PSP Minis digital download scheme.

But now the developer has its sights set on wider expansion.

With the UK office it plans to establish a new consumer brand for new digitally distributed games. The firm also plans to ramp up its localisation and QA outsourcing offer.

“We’re moving up a gear now,” said Prakash Ahuja, CEO, Gameshastra.

It is hoped Ogden can push Gameshastra forward in Europe. Previously, he worked on publishing of over 100 mobile games, including Michael Vaughan Cricket, Ronnie O’Sullivan Snooker, Young Bond, RBS 6 Nations Rugby, and a Manchester United game. He previously worked for the likes of Paramount and Universal Home Entertainment.

“We’re expanding quickly, and are being joined by the very best individuals in the business," added Ahuja. "Martin will maintain our successful working relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment and help us deliver outstanding digital gaming products not only to Sony consumers but also to other leading players in the European market.

“With his balance of creative flair and commercial leadership he has successfully shaped and grown the companies he has worked for and with.”

Ogden added: “It’s a tremendously exciting time for the games industry and Gameshastra intends to be an increasingly major player within it."