Square Enix plans second Canadian studio

Square Enix is negotiating with councils in several Canadian provinces with plans to erect a second studio in the country.

The Japanese firm already has a development stronghold in the country with Eidos Montreal, but that studio’s managing director – Stéphane D’Astous (pictured) – has spoken of plans to open an additional outfit.

The new studio will inhabit over 100 developers, according to Montréal-based newspaper La Presse.

"The negotiating process has begun," D’Astous was quoted as saying.

“However, each city has its advantages. Vancouver has an interesting pool of available talent with all the studio closures. Toronto is excessively business-oriented. Montreal has an established reputation and great creative potential.”

Each of those regions will provide studios with game development tax breaks at varying rates, with the Quebec region offering relief rates at just under 40 per cent.

Square Enix is expected to make a final decision in May.