MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Square Enix Group, an integrated entertainment group, has today announced plans for further expansion in Montreal with the growth of its Eidos-Montreal studio and the creation of a new second studio, Square Enix Montreal, to open in 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO)

Eidos-Montreal, a studio which was established in 2007, released its first game, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION™; to critical acclaim (Metacritic score of 90% for PC and 89% for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as of November 20, 2011) earlier this year. DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, which has to date shipped over 2 million units worldwide, firmly cemented the studio's credentials in global development and delivered on its promise to produce AAA games. Eidos-Montreal will now create an additional 100 new jobs, driving work on a third AAA project at the studio, alongside the DEUS EX® and THIEF® franchises. The studio will also expand its state-of-the-art facilities, including in-house audio recording and motion tracking studios and a mini-theatre.

Plans unveiled today also confirmed the creation of Square Enix Montreal, a new second studio for the Square Enix Group in Montreal, which will open in 2012 and create 150 jobs. Tasked with building AAA games for tomorrow's audiences, the studio will be led by Lee Singleton, currently general manager of Square Enix London Studios. Singleton brings over 20 years studio management as well as direct development experience to this role.

The first project at Square Enix Montreal will be to work on a new premium quality game in the award-winning HITMAN® franchise. This further investment will expand the vision for the HITMAN franchise and mean that two studios will now be working on future HITMAN games: IO Interactive, a Square Enix studio based in Copenhagen, creator of the HITMAN franchise is currently developing HITMAN ABSOLUTION™ and now Square Enix Montreal also.

"Montreal is a vibrant centre of game creators with industry-leading talent, and one of the most important bases of our global network of game development within the Square Enix Group," said Yoichi Wada, president and chief executive officer, SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

"We believe in creating studios where passion for our games and gaming runs throughout and Eidos-Montreal is testament to this vision. The start up of a second studio brings a huge advantage to our business; we will nurture two separate studios with their own strengths, culture and appeal," said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. "All of this has been made possible by our fantastic partners in Invest Quebec and Montreal International and we look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with them."

Montreal International, whose mission includes attracting foreign investment to the Greater Montreal region, assisted the company at every key project step. "We will continue to support the development of both Square Enix studios and contribute to their success and growth in Greater Montreal, particularly by helping them recruit the talent they need," noted President and CEO of Montreal International, Jacques St-Laurent.

"In just four years Eidos-Montreal has achieved great success in delivering a top-selling and highly acclaimed first game, a feat only few other development studios share," said Stephane D'Astous, general manager, Eidos-Montreal. "We look to continue this high level of quality with future studio titles by providing our employees with a dynamic working environment, compelling projects and cutting edge resources and facilities, with the support of strong governmental partners."

"I've worked in games all of my life, it's what I know and what I love and to be able to bring that passion and experience to Square Enix Montreal is very exciting," added Lee Singleton, general manager of Square Enix Montreal. "I want to create a studio that attracts passionate people, encourages innovation and gets the best out of the studio talent by empowering teams to make a difference."

To check out the latest studio news and to see and apply for open positions, please visit: www.eidosmontreal.com and www.square-enix-montreal.com respectively.

About Square Enix Group

The Square Enix Group leads a diverse range of content and service businesses as an integrated entertainment group. The Group develops, publishes, distributes and licenses entertainment content around the world under its internationally renowned brands including SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS ® and TAITO® and operates a global network of leading development studios located in North America, Europe and Japan. The Group also boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®.

More information on the Square Enix Group can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eng/

About Eidos-Montreal

Founded in 2007, Eidos-Montreal is a leading video game development studio in Montreal. Embracing the philosophy to always pursue excellence in the development of games and create immersive, captivating experiences for players, Eidos-Montreal made its mark on the video game world with the release of its first video game, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Eidos-Montreal is part of Square Enix Europe.

About Square Enix Montreal

Square Enix Montreal is an exciting new studio opening in 2012 that will be led by Lee Singleton, who has over 20 years of 'hands-on' development experience. For the past 3 years, Singleton has been leading Square Enix London Studios, a UK-based team which focuses on shaping and bringing to market great games from some of the world's most talented independent development teams. Recent games include Just Cause 2 with Avalanche Studios and Batman: Arkham Asylum with Rocksteady Studios.

HITMAN, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE The Square Enix Group