We’ve learned Gearbox is opening a Montreal studio as their second studio in Quebec, news confirmed by parent company Gearbox Entertainment today.
Veteran developers Sebastien Caisse and Pierre-Andre Dery are going to cooperatively co-lead the new studio, named Gearbox Studio Montreal, which is set to house 250 development staff. The news that Gearbox is opening a Montreal studio would bring the total count of developers working under Gearbox to 850.
“The Gearbox Entertainment Company is ambitiously looking both internationally and domestically to grow our creative engine and meet the incredible demand our customers have for talent-crafted experiences with our intellectual property,” Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford said.
He added, “Following our successful experience establishing Gearbox Studio Quebec, our investment in a new studio in Montreal creates an exciting new prospect for Montreal-based talent—whether they wish to work on existing Gearbox franchises, or help with the creation of new, original ideas. With Sebastien and Pierre-Andre’s leadership, I know the incredible local game development community will welcome Gearbox Studio Montreal and its balance between major studio muscle and local team culture as a needed addition to the city.”
Gearbox Studio Montreal co-lead Sebastien Caisse added, “We’ve had resounding success with our first studio expansion in Quebec, allowing Gearbox to grow its creative engine along with the ambition of its games. The games we want to make drive our growth, and some great talent resides in Montreal. I’m excited and humbled to co-lead the development of our latest studio expansion.”
Gearbox Studio Montreal will reportedly employ a “diverse and passionate group working to bring entertainment and joy to the world,” with studio co-lead Pierre-Andre Dery in charge of hires.
“Building on Gearbox’s long history of creative freedom, we are excited to assemble a new development team to work on the Borderlands franchise and create new IP in Montreal,” Dery said.
For now, you can visit the new studios website here.
