Chinese tech giant Tencent has opened a new game development studio LightSpeed LA, who are already at work on an open-world AAA PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game.

We previously reported how Tencent is reportedly hiring for five new positions, reserved for industry veterans who have worked on “blockbuster” titles.

Alleged recent hires included former Konami developer Kenichiro Imaizumi (Death Stranding), and Scott Warner (Planescape: Torment, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, and Halo 4).

Now, GamesIndustry.biz reports that Tencent are opening LightSpeed LA; a studio in Orange County, California focused on AAA games for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Their first project will be an open-world game for the aforementioned next-gen consoles.

As a subsidiary of Lightspeed & Quantum (itself a subsidiary of Tencent), LightSpeed LA will be reportedly headed by Steve Martin, who will also act as executive producer of development.

Martin had previously been a studio manager at Rockstar San Diego during Grant Theft Auto 5, Max Payne 3, and L.A. Noire; as well as studio director for Red Dead Redemption 2. 

In a statement, Martin reportedly pledged to create “a crunch-free and inclusive culture” for the development team. “We’re ushering a new era of game culture by combining world-class development with a stress-free work environment. From day one, our teams will be focused on building the highest caliber games while promoting integrity, proactivity, collaboration, and creativity.”

Other team member reportedly include those who had worked at Rockstar Games, Respawn Entertainment, 2K Games, and Insomniac. Martin’s past works and the other staff may indicate that Imaizumi and Warner will work here as well to produce a “blockbuster” title.

We will keep you informed as we learn more.

Image: Wikipedia